Lyon Museum Of Fine Arts

Overview

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Lyon, France, within the historic Place des Terreaux, stands the esteemed Lyon Museum of Fine Arts. It is recognized as one of France's largest and most significant art museums, second only to the Louvre. This cultural gem is housed within the magnificent Palais Saint-Pierre, a grand 17th-century former Benedictine abbey, whose tranquil cloister has been transformed into a captivating sculpture garden. The museum invites visitors on an extraordinary journey through 5,000 years of art history, boasting encyclopedic collections that span ancient Egyptian antiquities to contemporary masterpieces.

History & Cultural Background

The story of the Lyon Museum of Fine Arts begins long before its official establishment. Its impressive home, the Palais Saint-Pierre, originated as a Benedictine abbey, Saint-Pierre-les-Nonnains, with roots tracing back to the 7th century and significantly rebuilt in the 17th century. During the tumultuous French Revolution, the abbey narrowly escaped destruction or sale, largely due to its strategic proximity to the Lyon City Hall. In 1792, the Municipal Council recognized its potential, designating the edifice as a place for conserving paintings, medals, and other artistic treasures. The museum was officially founded in 1801 under the Chaptal decree, and its doors first opened to the public in 1803, with an initial impressive collection of 110 paintings sent from the Louvre. Throughout the 19th century, the building shared its grand spaces with various institutions, including the School of Fine Arts and the Municipal Library, undergoing several significant renovations and expansions to accommodate its ever-growing collections.

The museum's setting, Place des Terreaux, also holds a rich history. Once a marshy defensive ditch known as 'Terralia Nova' or 'Fossés de la Lanterne' in Roman times, it later evolved into a crucial public square, marked by significant political and cultural events.

What Makes It Special

What truly sets the Lyon Museum of Fine Arts apart is the sheer breadth and depth of its collections, which are among the most comprehensive in Europe. The museum safeguards an astounding array of artifacts, including approximately 8,000 ancient pieces, 3,000 artworks, a staggering 50,000 coins and medals, 3,000 paintings, 15,000 works on paper, and 1,000 sculptures. Among its most celebrated departments is the collection of ancient Egyptian antiquities, which is recognized as the second largest in France, surpassed only by the Louvre.

Visitors can explore diverse departments showcasing European paintings from the 14th to the mid-20th century, a rich array of sculptures, exquisite decorative arts, and an impressive numismatic collection, also the second largest of its kind in France. The galleries feature masterpieces by renowned artists such as Veronese, Rubens, Rembrandt, Poussin, Géricault, Delacroix, Gauguin, Monet, Picasso, Matisse, and Rodin. Beyond the artworks, the museum's cloister garden offers a unique allure. This serene oasis, adorned with sculptures, provides a peaceful respite from the urban bustle and is notably accessible to the public even without a museum ticket.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The transformation of the Palais Saint-Pierre from a Benedictine convent into a world-class museum is a testament to Lyon's enduring appreciation for art. Its survival during the French Revolution is a fascinating detail, attributed to its valuable use as a repository for cultural assets and its central location adjacent to the City Hall. Historically, the museum played a vital role in supporting Lyon's famed silk industry by providing models and inspiration for local artisans, showcasing art's direct impact on local commerce.

Within its walls, you'll discover architectural highlights like the 'Salle du Médaillier' (Coin and Medal Room), which preserves the opulent decor envisioned by architect René Dardel during his 1830s redesign of the museum. Another notable feature is the monumental staircase, often referred to as the Puvis de Chavannes staircase, named after the Lyonnais painter whose work adorns it. The fact that the beautiful sculpture garden, once the cloister of the abbey, is freely accessible to all – inviting both museum-goers and casual strollers – adds a wonderful layer of local charm and community integration to this grand institution.

Visitor Perspective

For the curious traveler, visiting the Lyon Museum of Fine Arts is an enriching experience. Conveniently located at 20 Place des Terreaux, the museum is easily accessible via public transportation, with the 'Hôtel de Ville - Louis Pradel' metro station just a short walk away. The museum is generally open from Wednesday to Monday, with Tuesdays and certain public holidays typically being closure days. While visitors can tailor their exploration to their interests, an average visit to fully appreciate the permanent collections spans about 2 hours and 45 minutes. The museum is committed to accessibility, offering facilities and assistance for disabled visitors to ensure a comfortable and inclusive experience. For those planning an extensive exploration of Lyon's cultural offerings, the Lyon City Card includes free admission to the museum, making it a valuable option. Furthermore, the museum provides excellent digital resources, including online collections and gigapixel images of selected artworks, allowing for a deeper dive into its treasures even before or after your visit.