Welcome to the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux, the premier fine-art museum in the heart of Bordeaux, France. If you love discovering rich cultural history, this remarkable institution is a must-see destination on your journey. Housed in a wing of the elegant Palais Rohan in central Bordeaux, it stands as one of the largest art galleries in France outside Paris.
Established back in 1801 by painter Pierre Lacour, the museum has a fascinating story, having moved from a library to the town hall before finding its home in its current 19th-century building, constructed between 1875 and 1881. As you explore the galleries, you will encounter an exceptional array of paintings, sculptures, and drawings spanning from the 15th century to the 20th century. The museum is especially famous for its extensive painting collection, with impressive highlights featuring masterworks by French, Flemish, and Dutch painters.
Notably, you can view significant historic pieces such as Peter Paul Rubens's Martyrdom of Saint Georges, a painting looted during the French Revolution. Right in front of the main building, you will also find the dedicated Galerie des Beaux-Arts, built between 1936 and 1939 to house captivating temporary exhibitions during your visit.
What to see at Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux
- Masterpieces by French, Flemish, and Dutch painters from the 15th to 20th centuries
- Peter Paul Rubens's Martyrdom of Saint Georges, looted during the French Revolution
- Historic location set inside a dependency of central Bordeaux's Palais Rohan
- Temporary art exhibitions hosted at the dedicated Galerie des Beaux-Arts
Visiting tips
Be sure to walk across to the Galerie des Beaux-Arts located directly in front of the main building to check out its temporary exhibitions.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning or early afternoon
How to get there & what’s nearby
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux is easy to reach on Bordeaux’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Basilica of St. Michael, Bordeaux and Synagogue. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Bordeaux travel guide.
See the full Bordeaux travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.