Museum of Fine Arts of Rennes

Museum in Rennes

CC BY-SA 3.0 / GO69

The Museum of Fine Arts of Rennes (Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rennes), established in 1794, stands as one of France’s most significant regional art institutions. Its origins trace back to the French Revolution when artworks were confiscated from churches and public buildings. A substantial portion of its current collection was donated by Christophe-Paul de Robien, a former president of the Parlement of Brittany, whose extensive cabinet of curiosities included paintings, drawings, sculptures, and antiquities, making it one of the most comprehensive private collections of its time. The museum’s building, located at 20 Quai Émile Zola, was constructed between 1847 and 1855 and has been dedicated solely to the museum’s collections since 1911.

The museum’s collections are encyclopedic, spanning from ancient civilizations to modern art. Its archaeological holdings feature artifacts from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. The painting collection is particularly noteworthy, encompassing works from the 14th to the 20th centuries. Highlights include pieces by Renaissance artists such as Paolo Veronese and Maarten van Heemskerck; 17th-century masters like Georges de La Tour and Charles Le Brun; 18th-century works by François Boucher and Jean-Baptiste Greuze; and 19th-century paintings by Camille Corot, Eugène Boudin, and Paul Gauguin. The museum also houses 20th-century works representing movements like Fauvism, Cubism, and Surrealism, with artists such as Pablo Picasso and Raoul Dufy featured.

In addition to paintings, the museum boasts an impressive collection of drawings, many originating from the Robien collection. These include works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Albrecht Dürer, and Rembrandt. The museum’s diverse holdings also encompass decorative arts and non-European artifacts, including African and Oceanic pieces, reflecting its commitment to a global perspective on art. Today, the Museum of Fine Arts of Rennes continues to enrich the cultural landscape of Brittany, offering visitors a comprehensive journey through the history of art.

The Museum of Fine Arts of Rennes appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Rennes!

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