Galerie David d'Angers

Museum in Angers

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Selbymay

Tucked away in the historic center of Angers, the Galerie David d'Angers is a rare gem where art, history, and architecture converge. Housed in the beautifully restored 13th-century Toussaint Abbey, the gallery honors the legacy of Pierre-Jean David, better known as David d'Angers, one of France's most celebrated 19th-century sculptors. The abbey's transformation, completed in 1984, introduced a soaring glass roof that floods the space with light - an inspired design choice that breathes modernity into the ancient stone walls.

With more than 900 works on display, including monumental sculptures, delicate medallions, and preparatory models, the gallery captures both the creative spirit of David d'Angers and the timeless appeal of sculpture itself. For art lovers and architecture enthusiasts alike, it's one of the must-see places in Angers - a serene yet inspiring stop in the city's cultural heart.

History and Significance
Things to See and Do
Practical Information
How to Get There
Is the Galerie David d’Angers Worth Visiting?
Other Sites Nearby

History and Significance

The Galerie David d'Angers is set within the former Toussaint Abbey, a Gothic structure dating back to the 13th century. Once a place of worship and reflection, the abbey fell into disrepair after the French Revolution, only to be revitalized centuries later as a home for art. Its renovation under architect Pierre Prunet is a masterpiece of adaptive reuse, preserving the abbey's stone arches while introducing a contemporary glass and steel canopy that bathes the sculptures in natural light.

Pierre-Jean David, born in Angers in 1788, was a sculptor of international acclaim, known for his public monuments, portrait medallions, and the monumental pediment of the Panthéon in Paris. The gallery showcases his creative process through original plaster models, including the full-scale design for the Panthéon's pediment - a testament to his precision and artistic ambition. It's a great place to visit on a walking tour of Angers for those who want to connect with one of the city's most famous sons.

Things to See and Do

Visitors to the Galerie David d'Angers can explore the artist's works in a setting that feels both intimate and grand. On the ground floor, towering sculptures and reliefs evoke the monumental energy of 19th-century public art, while the mezzanine offers a closer look at David's intricate medallions, portraits, and drawings. The interplay of light and shadow across marble and plaster creates a captivating rhythm throughout the space.

One of the most striking pieces is the plaster model for the Panthéon's pediment, depicting the Nation bestowing laurels upon great thinkers and artists - a celebration of human achievement. Other highlights include busts of Victor Hugo, Goethe, and Lafayette, alongside symbolic works reflecting themes of liberty and progress. Temporary exhibitions and cultural events, often focusing on modern or regional artists, add a dynamic touch to the gallery's program. This spot is one of the best places to see in Angers for anyone who appreciates the dialogue between old and new art forms.

Practical Information

Best time to visit: Year-round; mornings offer the best natural light for photography
Entrance fee in Euros: Around €4-6; free for EU residents under 26
Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00-18:00; closed Mondays and holidays
Official website: www.musees.angers.fr
How long to spend: 1-1.5 hours
Accessibility: Fully accessible with ramps and elevators
Facilities: Restrooms, gift shop, and nearby cafés
Photography tip: Capture the interplay of sunlight through the glass roof against the pale stone walls
Guided tours: Available through the Angers museum service
Nearby food options: Restaurants and bistros on Rue Toussaint and Place Kennedy

How to Get There

The gallery is located in the center of Angers, just steps from the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Cathédrale Saint-Maurice. From the Angers-Saint-Laud train station, it's a 15-minute walk or a short tram ride to the “Ralliement” stop. The area is pedestrian-friendly, making it ideal for combining several cultural visits in one day.

Is the Galerie David d’Angers Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. The Galerie David d'Angers is one of the top attractions in Angers - not just for its art, but for its atmosphere. The contrast between medieval stone and luminous glass creates an experience that feels both contemplative and contemporary. It's a space that honors the past while celebrating creativity in its purest form.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.7 (944)

Galerie David d'Angers, at 33 Rue Toussaint in Angers, is a spacious, repurposed monastery-gallery filled with original plaster models and detailed sculptures by David d'Angers, many displayed beneath a glass roof; visitors note it's an easy stop near the train station, museums and the castle, free for those under 26, good for a short visit or a couple of relaxed hours, with a mezzanine viewing area for sketching, though the mezzanine may not be wheelchair accessible and there is no restroom onsite.

Vivek Pathak

a year ago

"Apart from conveniently located close to the train station, many other spots like museum and castle are nearby as well. One can plan the visit of thegallery even if they have couple of free hours in between their trip! Beautiful and detailed sculptures displayed throughout the gallery. Also, few ancient artifacts are kept on display. There's also a viewing point on the meza ine floor where one can sit with pencil and paper and can draw their observance if they like. I'm not sure about one thing though- wheelchair accessibility (though the mezzanine floor has no wheelchair accessibility!). Big and spacious design of the gallery makes it quite comfortable to spend couple of hours inside (There's no restroom though! 😅). All in all, a great experience and would definitely suggest this place to anyone interested in arts and history...."

See More See Less

Stas Kalashnikov (sslaventiy)

a year ago

"Very beautiful museum Free for young people Pleasant stuff"

Mme

a year ago

"Stu ing gallery in repurposed monastery with glass roof and packed with sculpture. Short walk from the Angels Tourism office."

Other Sites Nearby

Musée des Beaux-Arts - A vast collection of European art and local history, just next door.
Cathédrale Saint-Maurice d'Angers - A magnificent Gothic cathedral overlooking the Maine River.
Château d’Angers - Home to the legendary Apocalypse Tapestry and panoramic ramparts.
Musée Jean Lurçat - A striking blend of modern tapestry and medieval architecture.
Jardin des Plantes - A beautiful botanical garden often visited on walking tours of Angers.

Elegant, inspiring, and perfectly lit, the Galerie David d'Angers is more than a museum - it's a luminous sanctuary where history and artistry coexist. For travelers exploring the Loire Valley's cultural treasures, it remains one of the top sights in Angers and a testament to the timeless beauty of sculpture.

The Galerie David d'Angers appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Angers!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

Read our full story here

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!