Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen (Museum of Fine Arts) has one of France’s finest collections of impressionist art in addition to extensive displays of drawing, landscapes, portraits and sculptures. Admire the work of revered artists such as Anton van Dyck, Claude Monet and Peter Paul Rubens. The Musée des Beaux-Arts dates back to the end of the 1700s, when a public collection first started to be formed.
The museum’s collections spread chronologically throughout the rooms of an impressive 19th-century palace. Start your self-guided tour in the Renaissance collection, which has work by François Clouet and Paolo Caliari. Check out Flemish master Gerard David’s The Virgin among the Virgins. Admire European Baroque paintings by artists such as Anton van Dyck, Diego Velázquez and Caravaggio.
A major highlight of the museum is its collection of impressionist art. See works by Alfred Sisley, Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, among others. Many took inspiration from the scenes of Rouen, including Monet’s Rouen Cathedral. Don’t miss paintings by great romanticist artists such as Ary Scheffer and Eugène Delacroix.
After visiting the collections, enjoy lunch, a light snack or refreshments in the museum’s restaurant. You’ll find it located amid the museum’s magnificent open-air gallery and sculpture garden.
Located on picturesque Square Verdrel, the museum is easily reachable via public transportation. Buses stop at Square Verdrel. The nearest tram stop is Palais de Justice, which is a 5-minute walk away. Metered parking is available on the surrounding streets, although spaces are limited. Combine your visit with a tour of the Musée le Secq des Tournelles, a museum devoted to the art of blacksmithing.
The Musée des Beaux-Arts is open from Wednesday to Monday, except for selected public holidays. There is an admission fee. Visit on the first Sunday of the month to enjoy free admission to the permanent collections. Find the complete opening hours, admission fees and details of temporary exhibitions on the museum’s official website.
