Palais Fesch – Musée des Beaux-Arts d'Ajaccio

About the museum

The museum owes its existence to Cardinal Joseph Fesch, an uncle of Napoleon I and a native of Ajaccio, who bequeathed his collection to his birthplace. His will, registered in 1839, left the city around 1,000 objects, including 843 paintings. In 1842 the terms of the bequest were changed so that the grand gallery could remain intact; around 300 paintings were then sent to other towns in Corsica.

Work on the palace began in 1828 and was completed in 1852, long after the cardinal’s death. The Imperial Chapel was built from 1857 to 1859 and consecrated in 1860 in the presence of Napoleon III and Eugénie; Cardinal Fesch and members of the Bonaparte family rest there. A bequest in 1866 added 19th-century paintings to the collection.

The museum went into decline and closed in 1979. It reopened in 1990, and again in 2010 after a second renovation. It holds the “Musée de France” label.

The painting collections range from the Italian Primitives and the Renaissance to the 20th century. They also include sculptures, drawings, prints, photographs, objets d’art, textiles, medals and coins.

Highlights

• Italian Primitive and Renaissance paintings, including works by Botticelli and Bellini
• Grand gallery from Cardinal Fesch’s bequest
• Imperial Chapel, burial place of the Bonaparte family
• Painting route from the 14th to the 20th century
• Digital tours of every level of the palace

Permanent exhibitions

• Collections de peintures du XIVe au XXe siècle – The galleries present Italian Primitives and Renaissance works, followed by paintings from the 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.
• Chapelle impériale – The 19th-century funerary chapel where Cardinal Fesch and members of the Bonaparte family rest; it is open from May to October.

Founded

1850

Operated by

Ville d'Ajaccio

Visitors per year

approx. 52,541

Admission & discounts

Visitors can come without a reservation. The Friends of the Museum association offers membership.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• 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

All spaces are accessible to visitors with reduced mobility, with elevators and adapted restrooms. Wheelchairs and strollers are lent free of charge at the cloakroom in exchange for an ID.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

Monthly family visits for 18–36 months and 3–6-year-olds, holiday visits for 7–11-year-olds and storytelling tours; €10–12 depending on the activity, by reservation. Four play trails to explore the collections independently and downloadable arts-and-crafts activity sheets are also offered. Strollers are lent free of charge.

Getting there & parking

From the railway station, about 10 minutes’ walk via Boulevard Sampiero and then rue Jérôme Péri; the airport is about 15 minutes away, Porticcio about 20 minutes.

Amenities & dining

• Coat check

Online shop. Suitcases, backpacks and large luggage are not allowed; handbags, shoulder bags and small backpacks are admitted after a check at the entrance.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit