Located in the heart of the city of Lille, France, the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lille is one of the most important and renowned art museums in the country. Founded in 1845, the museum houses an impressive collection of art from the 15th century to the present day, and is a must-visit for art lovers and culture vultures alike. From exploring the masterpieces of the Old Masters to admiring contemporary works, here are 10 things to do at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lille.
1. Admire the Old Masters: The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lille is home to a vast collection of artworks from the 15th to 18th centuries. From the Renaissance to the Baroque, visitors can admire the works of some of the most important European painters, including Rembrandt, Rubens, and Poussin.
2. Explore the 18th-Century Collection: The museum also houses an impressive collection of 18th-century artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and furniture. Highlights include the works of Jean-Baptiste Greuze, François Boucher, and Jacques-Louis David.
3. Appreciate the 19th-Century Collection: The museum’s 19th-century collection includes works by some of the most important French artists of the period, including Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, Eugène Delacroix, and Gustave Courbet.
4. Discover the 20th-Century Collection: The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lille also houses a large collection of 20th-century art, including works by Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Marc Chagall.
5. Admire the Sculptures: The museum’s impressive sculpture collection includes works from the 15th to the 20th centuries, including pieces by Auguste Rodin, Aristide Maillol, and Antoine Bourdelle.
6. Check Out the Temporary Exhibitions: The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, featuring works from its own collection as well as from other institutions. Recent exhibitions have included a retrospective of the work of French painter Pierre Bonnard and a display of works by Dutch artist Piet Mondrian.
7. Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lille Library: The museum’s library is open to the public and houses an impressive collection of books and periodicals related to art and art history.
8. Take a Guided Tour: The museum offers guided tours of its collections and temporary exhibitions. Tours are available in French, English, and German.
9. Attend a Lecture or Workshop: The museum regularly hosts lectures and workshops related to its collections and exhibitions.
10. Enjoy a Coffee or Meal at the Café des Beaux-Arts: The museum’s café is open daily and offers a selection of hot and cold drinks, light meals, and snacks. It’s the perfect place to take a break after a visit to the museum.
Whether you’re an art lover or a culture vulture, a visit to the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lille is sure to be an unforgettable experience. From admiring the works of the Old Masters to exploring the contemporary collections, there’s something for everyone at this incredible museum.