Musee d'Arts de Nantes (Fine Arts Museum of Nantes), Nantes

Located in the heart of Nantes between the cathedral and the Botanical Gardens, the Fine Arts Museum of Nantes is one of the most important art museums in France. Housed in the historic Palais des Beaux-Arts, constructed between 1891 and 1900 by architect Clément-Marie Josso, the museum was expanded and renovated over six years by London architects Stanton Williams, reopening in 2017.

The refurbishment added the modern "Cube" building and linked the museum to the 18th-century Chapel of the Oratory, now used for temporary exhibitions. The palace’s architecture reflects late 19th-century eclecticism, with grand spaces organized around a central glass-roofed courtyard and lit by a combination of large windows and modern overhead lighting.

The museum's vast collection spans from the 13th century to the present day, offering a comprehensive view of European art history. Highlights of its 19th-century holdings include works by Courbet, Delacroix, Ingres, and Rodin, whose Les Anémones and several sculptures feature prominently. Impressionism is represented by Monet’s Les Nymphéas à Giverny, part of his iconic water lilies series. Twentieth-century and contemporary art also have a strong presence, with works by Picasso, Kandinsky, Soulages, Kapoor, and Joan Mitchell, fostering dialogue between classical and modern art throughout the galleries.