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Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours: A Valley of Art

Discover masterpieces spanning centuries at Tours' Musée des Beaux-Arts, from the Italian Renaissance to French masters, in a historic palace setting.

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Housed in the former Archbishop's Palace, the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours showcases an extensive collection of art from the Italian Primitives to the 20th century. Visitors can explore masterpieces by renowned artists, stroll through French-style gardens, and encounter the intriguing Fritz, a stuffed elephant.

A brief summary to Museum of Fine Arts

  • Monday 9:30 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-6 pm
  • Friday 9 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on Wednesdays for a less crowded experience.
  • Check the museum's schedule for special exhibitions and events.
  • Explore the lush palace gardens and Gallo-Roman ruins nearby.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Tours train station, walk north on Place de la Gare towards Boulevard Heurteloup. Turn right onto Boulevard Heurteloup, then turn left onto Rue de Bordeaux. Continue onto Place Jean Jaurès, then turn right onto Rue des Halles. Turn left onto Rue du Commerce, then turn right onto Place François Sicard. The Musée des Beaux-Arts will be on your left. The walk is approximately 15 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    The Fil Bleu tram line A connects the north of Tours near the airport with the city center. Get off at the 'Halles' stop, which is a short walk to the museum. A single ticket costs around €1.50.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Tours. A short taxi ride from the train station or city center to the Musée des Beaux-Arts will cost approximately €11-13. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your ride.

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Discover more about Museum of Fine Arts

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours, nestled in the historic Archbishop's Palace, offers an artistic journey through centuries of creativity. The museum's location is itself a historical landmark, with the palace dating back to the 18th century and built upon the remains of the 4th-century Gallo-Roman rampart. The palace served as a theater, school, and library before becoming the museum in 1801. The museum boasts a rich and varied collection, with over 12,000 works, of which 1,000 are on display. Highlights include Italian Primitives, French paintings from the 17th to 20th centuries, and furniture and art objects from various eras. Masterpieces by Mantegna, Rembrandt, Delacroix, and Monet await discovery. A stroll through the French-style garden reveals a Lebanese cedar, planted in 1804, and the curiosity of Fritz, a stuffed elephant from the Barnum circus. The museum's collection spans various periods and styles. The Italian Primitives collection features works by Mantegna, Vivarini, and di Paolo. French painting is well-represented, with artists like Champaigne, Boucher, and Monet. The 19th century is showcased through works by Delacroix, Degas, and Monet. The 20th-century collection includes pieces by Calder, Debré, and Vieira da Silva. Beyond paintings, the museum features sculptures and decorative arts. Visitors can admire Roman-Greco statues and French royalty figures. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and offers educational programs.

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