Musee des Beaux-Arts (Fine Arts Museum), Bordeaux

The Fine Arts Museum (Musée des Beaux-Arts) stands as the premier fine arts institution in Bordeaux. Situated within an annex of the Palais Rohan in the heart of Bordeaux, this museum showcases an array of artworks spanning from the 15th to the 20th century. Its diverse holdings encompass paintings, sculptures, and drawings, forming a captivating journey through the realms of creativity. Noteworthy among its holdings are the masterpieces crafted by French, Flemish, and Dutch painters, which constitute the museum's most extensive collection of paintings. Adjacent to the main edifice, the Galerie des Beaux-Arts offers a space for dynamic temporary exhibitions.

Founded in 1801 under the guidance of painter Pierre Lacour, this establishment ranks among the most significant art galleries in France beyond the confines of Paris. Within its halls, the museum safeguards numerous paintings that were appropriated by the French amidst the turbulence of the French Revolution, commonly referred to as 'saisies révolutionnaires.' Among these preserved treasures is Peter Paul Rubens' poignant depiction, the Martyrdom of Saint Georges.

Initially hosted within a library before finding its place within a chamber of the town hall, the collection found its permanent residence in the present-day structure, meticulously erected between 1875 and 1881. The subsequent addition, the Galerie des Beaux-Arts, took shape during the years 1936 to 1939, further enhancing the museum's capacity to inspire and enlighten.

Why You Should Visit:
To peruse an enjoyable collection of European art, especially French art that includes works by famous artists and by lesser-known local painters & sculptors.

Tip:
Have a peek at the interesting canvasses portraying Bordeaux in former times.