Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen

In the heart of Rouen, Normandy, lies a treasure trove of art and history – the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen. Established in the wake of the French Revolution in 1801, this museum is one of France’s most significant provincial art institutions. With its vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and graphic arts, the museum offers an enriching experience for art lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

The History of Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen was born out of the Chaptal Decree of 1801, under the Consulate of Napoleon Bonaparte. Initially modest, its collections grew substantially throughout the 19th century. By 1878, it was lauded as “the most complete after that of Paris.” Today, it boasts an impressive array of artworks that are considered exceptional in both richness and scope. The museum’s graphic arts cabinet alone houses over 8,000 works, enjoying an international reputation.

Encompassing sixty rooms, the permanent collections of the museum showcase an extensive range of artworks from the 17th to the 19th centuries. In addition to its permanent displays, the museum organizes several major exhibitions annually, some of which have garnered international acclaim. Notably, in 2010, the exhibition “A City for Impressionism: Monet, Pissarro, and Gauguin in Rouen” attracted over 240,000 visitors as part of the Normandy Impressionist Festival.

The Architecture and Building

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen is housed in a building whose complete renovation was finished in 1994. Located in the city center, opposite the Verdrel Square, the building itself is a work of art. The original structure, designed by architect Louis Sauvageot, was constructed in two phases. The first wing, along Rue Thiers, was built between 1877 and 1880, while the second wing, central building, and library were completed between 1884 and 1888.

The main entrance of the museum is flanked by statues of Nicolas Poussin and Michel Anguier, two Norman artists, sculpted by Joseph Tournois. The lateral pediments of the main façade are the work of Auguste Bartholdi, adding to the building’s grandeur and historical significance. Despite the damage sustained during World War II, the museum’s left wing was restored, and by 1956, twenty-seven of its forty rooms were reopened to the public.

The Collections

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen boasts an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, drawings, and objets d'art from the 15th century to the present day. Among its treasures is a rare collection of Russian icons from the 16th to early 19th centuries. The museum also holds an exceptional set of paintings from the François Depeaux donation of 1909, placing it among the top French provincial museums for Impressionism, alongside the André Malraux Museum of Modern Art in Le Havre.

Highlights of the Painting Collection

15th and 16th Centuries

The Renaissance Italian paintings in the museum include works by renowned artists such as Perugino, Veronese, and Annibale Carracci. The French, Flemish, and Dutch schools are represented by Gérard David, François Clouet, and Abraham Bloemaert, among others.

17th Century

The 17th-century collection is a highlight, featuring masterpieces from the Spanish Golden Age, including works by Velázquez and Jusepe de Ribera. Italian Baroque is well represented with Caravaggio’s “Christ at the Column” and works by Guercino and Luca Giordano. The French section includes pieces by Nicolas Poussin, Philippe de Champaigne, and Simon Vouet, while the Flemish and Dutch sections boast works by Rubens, Van Dyck, and Jan Steen.

18th Century

The 18th-century collection includes French Rococo and Neoclassical works by François Boucher, Jean-Honoré Fragonard, and Hubert Robert. Italian artists such as Francesco Guardi and Giovanni Paolo Panini are also featured.

19th Century

The 19th-century French paintings are another focal point, with works by Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun, Jacques-Louis David, and Eugène Delacroix. The museum also houses an impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works, with pieces by Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro, and Paul Gauguin.

Visiting the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen

Visiting the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen is a journey through centuries of artistic excellence. The museum’s diverse collections offer something for every art lover, from Renaissance masterpieces to Impressionist gems. The museum’s location in the heart of Rouen makes it an ideal destination for a cultural day out, surrounded by the historical charm of this beautiful Norman city.

Whether you are a seasoned art enthusiast or a curious traveler, the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen promises an enriching and unforgettable experience, celebrating the timeless beauty and profound impact of art throughout history.