Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon

Museum in Lyon

CC BY-SA 1.0 / Romainbehar

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon is one of the best places to visit in Lyon if you love art, architecture, or simply beautiful, calm spaces in the middle of a busy city. Tucked inside a 17th-century Benedictine abbey right on Place des Terreaux, the museum wraps around a peaceful cloister garden that feels a world away from trams, traffic, and the bustle of the square. Even before you reach the galleries, walking through the grand courtyard and stone arcades sets a reflective, almost monastic tone.

Inside, the collections take you on a journey from ancient civilisations to 20th-century modern art, with big-name painters like Rubens, Rembrandt, Monet, Picasso, and Delacroix sharing space with less famous but equally intriguing works. Sculpture halls, decorative arts, and thoughtful temporary exhibitions keep things varied, but the layout and curation are gentle enough that it never feels overwhelming. This spot is a highlight of any walking tour of Lyon because it lets you pivot from the energy of Place des Terreaux to a few quiet hours surrounded by beauty and history.

History and Significance of the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon
Things to See and Do in the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon
How to Get to the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon
Practical Tips on Visiting the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon
Where to Stay close to the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon
Is the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon
Nearby Attractions to the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon

History and Significance of the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon

The museum’s story begins long before the first painting ever hung on its walls. The building started life as a Benedictine abbey in the 17th century, with cloisters, refectories, and monks’ cells arranged around a central garden. After the French Revolution, many religious properties were nationalised and repurposed, and this former abbey gradually evolved into a civic and cultural space. Over time, it was transformed into a museum, its religious silence replaced by the softer hush of gallery footsteps.

As Lyon’s importance grew, so did its ambitions for a world-class art collection. The city assembled pieces through state allocations, private donations, and acquisitions, gradually building a range of works that could hold its own alongside the big Parisian institutions. The result is a collection that feels both encyclopaedic and personal: major names are well represented, but the museum also showcases regional artists and lesser-known works that help you understand the tastes and priorities of different eras.

Today, the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon is a cultural cornerstone of the city and one of the most respected fine arts museums in France. Its setting on Place des Terreaux, opposite the Hôtel de Ville and close to the opera, underscores its central role in Lyon's cultural life. Whether you're ducking in for an hour between other sights or dedicating a full afternoon to exploring its galleries, it offers a deep, rewarding look at how art has shaped and reflected human experience over centuries.

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

A visit usually begins in the cloister garden, which is worth a few quiet minutes on its own. The formal layout, statues, and benches under the trees create a calm pocket of green in the heart of the city, and it’s a lovely way to reset before or after time in the galleries. From here, you can branch out into different wings depending on your interests, knowing you can always loop back to the courtyard for a breather.

Inside, the painting galleries are a clear highlight. You’ll find Old Masters like Rubens and Rembrandt, dramatic canvases by Delacroix, and elegant works from the French and Italian schools, all arranged in a way that makes it easy to trace stylistic shifts over time. Further along, the 19th- and 20th-century rooms introduce Impressionist and modern works, with pieces by Monet, Picasso, and others giving you the sense of a condensed, carefully chosen tour through modern art history. Even if you’re not an art expert, the variety of subjects and styles makes it easy to find something that speaks to you.

Don’t miss the sculpture and decorative arts sections, where marble figures, bronzes, ceramics, furniture, and jewellery add another dimension to the story. There’s also a strong collection of antiquities, including Egyptian and Near Eastern pieces, which help place European art in a broader historical context. Temporary exhibitions bring fresh themes and artists into focus throughout the year, so repeat visits can feel quite different. When you’re ready to pause, the museum café and courtyard provide ideal spots to sit, sip a coffee, and let everything you’ve seen sink in.

How to Get to the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon

Most visitors arriving from abroad will come via Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS), which connects to many European cities and some long-haul destinations. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Lyon on Booking.com. From the airport, the Rhônexpress tram runs into the city, where you can switch to metro or tram lines to reach the Presqu'île and Place des Terreaux.

If you're travelling by train, Lyon Part-Dieu and Lyon Perrache are the two main stations, both well linked to the city centre.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. From Part-Dieu, you can take the metro (Line B then Line A) or tram to Hôtel de Ville - Louis Pradel, then walk a few minutes to Place des Terreaux and the museum entrance. From Perrache, trams, buses, or a pleasant walk up through the Presqu'île will bring you directly into the same area.

Arriving by car, follow signs towards the city centre and look for underground car parks near Place des Terreaux, the Opera, or along the Rhône.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. Once parked, it’s an easy walk to the museum, and you can comfortably explore the surrounding streets, squares, and riverbanks on foot without needing the car again until you leave.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon

Suggested tips: Start or end your visit in the cloister garden-it's free to enter and makes a perfect place to decompress between galleries or after time in busy Place des Terreaux.
Best time to visit: Weekday mornings or late afternoons tend to be quieter; rainy days are ideal for lingering without feeling you’re missing out on outdoor sights.
Entrance fee: Adults €8
Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Closed on Tuesdays and certain holidays
Official website: https://www.mba-lyon.fr/en
How long to spend: Plan at least 2-3 hours if you’d like to see the highlights without rushing; art lovers could happily spend most of a day here with breaks in the courtyard or café.
Accessibility: The museum offers lifts and accessible routes, though some older sections and staircases may require a bit of planning; check at reception for the best paths if you have reduced mobility.
Facilities: On-site you’ll find a ticket desk, cloakroom, toilets, a bookshop, and a café; the courtyard garden is open to visitors and can be accessed even without a museum ticket.
Photography tip: Look for views that combine art and architecture-statues framed by arches, paintings reflected in polished floors, or glimpses of the courtyard through gallery windows.
Guided tours: Audio guides and occasional guided visits help you get more out of key works and themes; they’re especially useful if you have limited time and want to focus on the highlights.
Nearby food options: Around Place des Terreaux and towards the Opera, you'll find plenty of cafés, bistros, and wine bars for a pre- or post-museum meal or drink.

Where to Stay close to the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon

For a characterful stay just a short walk from the museum, Grand Hôtel des Terreaux places you on a quiet side street near Place des Terreaux. From here, you can stroll to the Musée des Beaux-Arts in a couple of minutes and easily explore the Presqu'île and slopes of Croix-Rousse.

If you prefer a central base that also connects quickly to both the Saône and Rhône, Hôtel Silky by HappyCulture is a stylish option on the Presqu'île. It's within comfortable walking distance of Place des Terreaux and the museum, while also keeping you close to shopping streets and riverside walks.

Another convenient choice is Hôtel de Paris, located in the 1st arrondissement just a few blocks from Place des Terreaux. Staying here makes it easy to visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts early or late in the day, then wander to nearby squares, the Opera, and the Saône riverbanks without needing public transport.

Is the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon Worth Visiting?

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon is absolutely worth visiting, even if you're not a dedicated art buff. The mix of big-name masterpieces, lesser-known gems, and beautifully preserved monastic architecture makes it a rewarding, layered experience. You can dive deep into specific periods or simply wander, letting individual works catch your eye. Combined with the possibility of retreating to the serene courtyard garden whenever you need a pause, it's the kind of place where a “quick look” easily turns into a few of your favourite hours in Lyon.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.1 (1,754)

Musée d'art contemporain de Lyon, on Quai Charles de Gaulle in the Cité Internationale, presents contemporary artworks in a Renzo Piano–designed building and includes a café; visitors note spacious galleries with varied installations, rotating themed exhibitions (recent examples highlighted include Nature & Technology and other unique shows), a shop and restaurant, and recommend allowing about 1–1.5 hours to wander; opinions vary on curation and atmosphere—some find it inspiring while others feel the collection or display could be stronger—but it's generally seen as worth a visit if you're nearby or holding a city tour card.

Alan YDR

a week ago

"Great space with large galleries displaying a variety of installations and contemporary art. They have a restaurant/cafe and a good size gift shop.Plan on spending about 1.5 hours wandering around the exhibits. I purchased my entrance ticket upon arrival and there was no line to enter...."

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Conor S

6 months ago

"We really enjoyed the Nature & Technology exhibition that they have going on in June. The first floor was incredible especially during the weekdaywhen you can take your time to wander through and absorb each exhibit in the way it was intended...."

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Romain

a month ago

"Some beautiful pieces and a few inspiring moments, but overall the collection felt a bit limited and not very well curated. The atmosphere could beimproved to make the art stand out more. Still worth a short visit if you’re nearby...."

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FAQs for Visiting Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon

The museum sits directly on Place des Terreaux in the 1st arrondissement, in a former Benedictine abbey opposite the Hôtel de Ville.

Advance booking is not always essential, but it can be helpful during busy periods, special exhibitions, or weekends to avoid queues.

Yes, the cloister garden is open to the public; you can enter, sit, and enjoy the space even without a museum ticket.

Absolutely-the varied collection, clear signage, and manageable layout make it accessible and interesting even if you don’t have a strong art background.

Most visitors spend 2-3 hours exploring the main galleries and garden, though you can tailor your visit to be shorter or longer depending on your interests.

Nearby Attractions to the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon

Croix-Rousse Slopes - The historic former silk-weaving district rising above the Presqu'île, easily reached on foot or by metro from Place des Terreaux.
Place des Terreaux - The lively square outside the museum, home to the Bartholdi Fountain and framed by grand civic architecture.
Hôtel de Ville de Lyon - Lyon's impressive 17th-century City Hall, facing the museum across Place des Terreaux.
Opéra de Lyon - The city's opera house with its modern glass dome, just a short walk away and often illuminated at night.
Saône River Quays - Scenic riverbanks a few minutes' walk downhill, ideal for a post-museum stroll or drink by the water.

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

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!

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