Musée Fabre

About the museum

The origins of the Musée Fabre go back to the Société des Beaux-Arts de Montpellier and to an earlier museum from the Revolutionary period, active from 1779 to 1809. The painter François-Xavier Fabre played a central role in the creation of today’s institution between 1825 and 1837. Later, the collections grew thanks to Antoine Valedau, who contributed works from the Northern schools, and then to Alfred Bruyas, whose activity marked the years 1868 to 1876.

In the 20th century the museum continued to grow, notably under the directorship of Ernest Michel. A major renovation, completed in 2007, crowned more than two centuries of efforts to promote the arts in Montpellier. A film shown at the entrance to the collections route, in the atrium, shows how the buildings and spaces evolved through the major donations.

The museum also has a second site: the Hôtel de Cabrières-Sabatier d’Espeyran, built in 1874 and bequeathed in 1967 by Renée Sabatier d’Espeyran. This townhouse houses the decorative arts department and bears witness to bourgeois life in Montpellier in the 19th century. The museum is managed by Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole.

Highlights

• Collection of European painting from the 16th to the 20th century
• Works by Pierre Soulages
• Patroclus and Hector by Jacques-Louis David
• Hôtel de Cabrières-Sabatier d’Espeyran devoted to decorative arts
• Work by Daniel Buren in the entrance hall

Permanent exhibition

• Collections permanentes – The route presents European painting from the 16th to the 20th century, works by Pierre Soulages and, at the Hôtel de Cabrières-Sabatier d’Espeyran, decorative arts.

Founded

1825

Operated by

Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole

Director

Michel Hilaire

Visitors per year

approx. 253,041

Admission & discounts

Free admission: First Sunday of the month (permanent collections), European Heritage Days, Museum Night, one weekend of the Fête de la science and Student Night

The permanent collections ticket is valid for one year and allows unlimited entry on the day it is used. The temporary exhibition ticket is valid for the entire run of the exhibition. Entry is free with proof for job seekers, recipients of minimum social benefits, civic service volunteers, members of ICOM and ICOMOS, journalists and other groups. Payment by cash, cheque, bank card and paper Chèques-Vacances ANCV.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description

The museum has held the “Tourisme et Handicap” label since 2008 for motor, intellectual and hearing disabilities. Videos in French Sign Language, audio description and preparation tools are available. Eight accessible parking spaces are provided at the Corum car park and eighteen at the Comédie car park, both connected by lift. The main lift at the Hôtel de Cabrières-Sabatier d’Espeyran is currently being repaired.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area: not available

Family visits for ages 0 to 12 (for example “Babillages” for babies aged 6 to 24 months), the “À fond les muses” workshop for ages 7 to 10 on Wednesdays outside school holidays, creative workshops during the school holidays, family sheets and a practical guide for children. Changing tables are available along the route.

Getting there & parking

From Nîmes or Béziers via the A9 and the A709, exit 29 Montpellier Est, then follow the Musée Fabre signs.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

Bistrot Fabre on the forecourt, open Tuesday to Sunday 10:00–19:00, with indoor and terrace seating. Shop open Tuesday to Friday 11:00–18:00, and at weekends 11:00–13:00 and 14:00–18:00. Jean-Claparède library. Bags larger than 55 x 35 x 20 cm are refused; batteries from electric bicycles and electric scooters are prohibited, including at the cloakroom.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 120 guests.

120-seat Alfieri auditorium, the Buren hall and the Vien courtyard; conferences, receptions, cocktails, business dinners and private visits outside opening hours. Quote available on request.

Plan your visit