Nestled near Lyon's Place des Terreaux, the Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon is one of France’s largest art museums and among the most important in Europe. Housed in the historic Palais Saint-Pierre—a former 17th-century Benedictine convent—this sprawling municipal institution offers you a rich journey through artistic history. As you explore its historic halls, you will encounter remarkable features like a baroque refectory adorned with monumental paintings by Pierre-Louis Cretey and a majestic honor-staircase.
Why visit? The museum’s incredible range spans from ancient Egyptian antiquities to 20th-century Modern art. Inside, you can wander through 35 rooms chronologically arranging European masterworks by legendary painters like Rembrandt, Delacroix, Renoir, Van Gogh, and Picasso.
Beyond painting, you will discover an extensive Egyptian department showcasing sarcophaguses and the ancient temple gates of Ptolemy III and IV. You can also view classical sculptures housed in a former abbey church, examine 6th-century BC Greek marbles, and admire local silk fabrics alongside an Art Nouveau room by Hector Guimard. To cap off your experience, take a stroll through the former cloister—now a central municipal garden decorated with 19th-century statues by Auguste Rodin.
What to see at Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon
- Ancient Egyptian antiquities, including sarcophaguses and temple gates of Ptolemy III and IV
- European painting collections spanning 35 rooms from the 14th to mid-20th centuries
- Former abbey cloister garden featuring 19th-century statues by Auguste Rodin
- Baroque refectory with grand dining-themed paintings by Pierre-Louis Cretey
- Diverse objets d'art, including an Art Nouveau room by Hector Guimard and Lyon silk fabrics
Visiting tips
Be sure to visit the former abbey cloister at the heart of the museum to enjoy its central garden and outdoor sculptures.
How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon is easy to reach on Lyon’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Lyon travel guide.
See the full Lyon travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.