Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux

Museum in Bordeaux

Musée des Beaux Arts de Bordeaux
Musée des Beaux Arts de Bordeaux
Public Domain / Théodore Gudin (1802–1880)

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux is one of the top attractions in Bordeaux for art lovers, offering a rich journey through European creativity from the Renaissance to the modern era. Founded in 1801, the museum now occupies two elegant 19th-century wings tucked behind the Palais Rohan gardens-an oasis of culture just minutes from the city's historic landmarks. Its collection features masters such as Rubens, Titian, Delacroix, and Matisse, making it a highlight of any walking tour of Bordeaux for visitors seeking a deeper cultural experience.

What sets the museum apart is its blend of international masterpieces and local talent. Works by Bordeaux-born artists Odilon Redon and Albert Marquet reveal the city's own artistic identity, while rotating exhibitions in the nearby Galerie des Beaux-Arts ensure there is always something new to discover. Whether you are an art enthusiast or a casual visitor, the museum offers one of the must-see places in Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux for understanding the region's creative spirit.

History and Significance of Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux

Founded under the Chaptal Decree in 1801, the museum is among France's oldest. Its early collection grew through state allocations, local acquisitions, and generous donations. The need for a permanent home led to the construction of two neoclassical pavilions in 1881, designed by architect Charles Burguet. These structures, placed on either side of the Palais Rohan gardens, were built specifically to showcase fine art in well-lit, purpose-built galleries.

Over time, the museum expanded its mission, becoming a centre for education, conservation, and cultural exchange. Its collections now span five centuries, illustrating major artistic movements across Europe while highlighting the creativity of artists connected to Bordeaux.

Things to See and Do in Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux

The museum’s highlights include Renaissance works by Perugino and Venetian masters like Titian and Veronese. Baroque art lovers will appreciate the dramatic canvases of Rubens, while Romantics can explore key works by Delacroix. The museum also embraces modernism through pieces by Matisse and other 20th-century innovators.

Be sure to visit the dedicated rooms featuring Odilon Redon’s dreamlike compositions and Albert Marquet’s luminous landscapes. Across the street, the Galerie des Beaux-Arts hosts temporary exhibitions ranging from historical retrospectives to contemporary installations, offering fresh perspectives throughout the year.

How to Get There

The museum is centrally located at 20 Cours d’Albret and is easily reached by tram and bus, with stops nearby. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place. Visitors arriving by car will find several paid car parks within walking distance. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you. Bordeaux Airport provides direct tram and shuttle connections into the city. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Bordeaux on Booking.com.

Practical Tips on Visiting Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux

  • Best time to visit Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux: Weekday mornings for quieter galleries.
  • Entrance fee in Euros: Typically €5-€8; free for some age groups and on certain days.
  • Opening hours: Usually open daily except Tuesdays; hours may vary seasonally.
  • Official website: bordeaux.fr/museum
  • How long to spend: 1-2 hours for the main museum; longer if visiting Galerie des Beaux-Arts.
  • Accessibility: Accessible to visitors with reduced mobility; lifts available.
  • Facilities: Cloakroom, restrooms, gift shop; cafés nearby in the historic centre.
  • Photography tip: Natural light enhances many galleries-visit on a bright day for best results.
  • Guided-tours: Offered regularly; themed tours available through local cultural programs.
  • Nearby food options: Plenty of restaurants and bakeries within a short walk toward Hôtel de Ville.

Where to Stay close to Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux

For refined comfort close to the museum, consider Hôtel de Sèze, known for its elegant interiors. A boutique option nearby is Villa Victor Louis, offering charm in a historic setting. For modern style and convenient access, Mama Shelter Bordeaux is a lively and centrally located choice.

Is Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. With its impressive collection, peaceful setting, and mix of permanent and temporary exhibitions, the Musée des Beaux-Arts is a rewarding stop for anyone interested in art, culture, or Bordeaux’s heritage. It’s one of the city’s most enriching experiences.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.3 (3,172)

Bordeaux Museum of Fine Arts on 20 Cr d'Albret is an elegant, visitor-friendly museum with large collections spanning the Renaissance through the 19th century and notable modern works; guests describe a diverse selection of paintings and sculptures spread across three halls or buildings, easily navigable without taking an entire day, and many recommend the audio guide to enhance understanding while families and art lovers often spend a couple of hours exploring highlights including works by Picasso, Matisse and Delacroix.

Eduardo Diaz
a week ago
"This is a review for the museum that we went today of Bellas Artes. This is a beautiful place, beautiful classics and modern art. And the thing thatwe liked about it is that it is big but not that big. So you can see this and enjoy the paintings in a time that will not take you half a day but a reasonable time. And you will be in and out depending on how long you stay watching all these paintings. I recommend you to get the audio guide. It gives you a perspective of the paintings and then from that you can look at the other paintings and see that they give you some perspective on one and you can see in the other ones that perspective. And it is just an enjoyable place and the audio guide works very well. So this is a good place to come and visit while you are in Bordeaux. Recommended...."
Iason Senekkis
4 months ago
"For museum and art lovers, the visit to the MusBA is definitely worth it. We visited the museum with our children and we ended up spending more thantwo hours, without even going to the temporary exhibition at the gallery across the street. The visit is quite interesting with lots of art pieces categorised in different time periods. The most interesting part for us was the modern part with paintings by Picasso, Matisse and Delacroix. The museum is also included in the Bordeaux City Pass...."
Dmitry Moiseenko
4 months ago
"Great museum, a lot of beautiful paintings and sculptures for just 8 EUR. You can attend three halls."

FAQs for Visiting Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux

Yes, and special workshops for children are often available.
It spans five centuries, from the Renaissance to the 20th century.
This may vary depending on the exhibition; check current listings.
Photography is usually allowed without flash.
It may close on certain public holidays; check ahead.

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The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Bordeaux!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Wednesday to Monday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Closed Tuesdays and certain public holidays.

Price:

Adults: €6

Address: Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux, Cours d'Albret, Bordeaux, France
Bordeaux: 1 km
Official Website

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