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Museum · Besançon, Borgonha-Franco-Condado
Musée des Beaux-Arts et d'Archéologie
The oldest public museum in France, founded in 1694, in the former halle aux grains on the praça da Revolução, with European painting, an Egyptian collection and archaeology.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Musée des Beaux-Arts et d'Archéologie
The Museu de Belas-Artes e Arqueologia de Besançon was founded in 1694, almost a century before the Louvre, and is considered the oldest public museum in France. It began with the bequest of an abbot who left his collection to the city on the condition that it be open to the public.
The museum occupies the former halle aux grains, the grain market on the praça da Revolução, a neoclassical building from 1843. In the 20th century, the architect Louis Miquel created a spiral concrete ramp inside that links the floors. After a major renovation, the museum reopened in 2018.
The holdings range from archaeology to modern art. There is an Egyptian collection with mummies and sarcophagi, Gallic and Roman finds from the region, mosaics and bronzes from Vesontio. European painting includes works by Bellini, Cranach, Rubens, Fragonard, Goya, Courbet (born nearby in Ornans), and 20th-century painters such as Bonnard, Matisse and Picasso. The museum also has a large drawings cabinet.
The praça da Revolução, opposite, is one of the city’s centers, with cafés and the covered market beside it.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 1h30 to 2h30.
Best time
On rainy days or during the hottest hours of summer. Check opening days and hours before you go.
How to get there
It is on the praça da Revolução, in the centre, about a 10-minute walk from Besançon-Viotte station and 5 minutes from the Grande Rue.
Tip
Go up the spiral ramp and view the rooms in its sequence: the museum’s architecture is part of the visit.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Musée des Beaux-Arts et d'Archéologie
Is it true that it is the oldest museum in France?
Yes, the museum of Besançon, founded in 1694, is considered the oldest public museum in France, almost a century before the Louvre.
What to see in the Besançon Museum of Fine Arts?
The Egyptian collection, Roman finds from the region and paintings by Bellini, Cranach, Rubens, Goya, Courbet, Matisse and Picasso, among others.
Where is the museum?
On the place de la Révolution, in the centre, about a 10-minute walk from Besançon‑Viotte station.