Musée du Faouët

About the museum

From the mid-19th century onward, Le Faouët attracted French and foreign painters, draughtsmen and photographers. They were captivated by the Saint-Fiacre and Sainte-Barbe chapels, by their pardon (pilgrimage festival), by the market under the halls and by the traditional life of the inhabitants. The arrival of the railway in 1906 made stays even easier, and hoteliers fitted out studios for the artists.

The first painting collection was inaugurated on July 14, 1914, in the town hall, on the initiative of the deputy and mayor Victor Robic. The collection grew shortly afterwards, from 1931 onward, and then through the purchase of the René Vanwilde collection in the 1980s. In 1985 the town acquired the former Ursuline convent in the town centre, and the museum opened there on July 1, 1987.

The museum received the designation “musée de France” on January 16, 2012. Its collection numbers nearly 450 works. It is shown in rotation during the annual temporary exhibitions, devoted to a Breton painting theme or to an artist who came to draw inspiration from Le Faouët.

Highlights

• Nearly 450 works showing life in Le Faouët from 1845 to 1945
• Former Ursuline convent
• Temporary exhibition every year, from April to October
• Family workshops and a puzzle booklet for ages 7 to 12
• Audio guides on smartphone

Permanent exhibition

• Collection permanente – Nearly 450 paintings, drawings and photographs of life in Le Faouët between 1845 and 1945, shown in rotation during the temporary exhibitions.

Founded

1987

Operated by

Commune du Faouët

Visitors per year

approx. 21,386

Admission & discounts

Admission is also free for ICOM members, journalists, tour guides, Friends of the museum, holders of the AMEL card and school groups from Roi Morvan Communauté. School rates: €2 up to age 12, €2.50 from age 13. Rates in force since January 1, 2026.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

There is no lift to reach the second floor. A portable access ramp is available at the reception desk.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Family workshops for children aged 6 to 12 (30 minutes of visit and 1 hour 30 minutes of workshop) and for ages 12 to 15. The puzzle booklet for ages 7 to 12 is free and available at the reception desk. The museum has signed the Môm’Art charter and is part of the Musées Joyeux network.

Getting there & parking

The nearest stations are Lorient (37 km) and Quimperlé (22.5 km).

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Shop at the entrance, open at the same hours as the museum: catalogues, posters, postcards, stationery and jewellery by regional designers.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit