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Museum · Dijon, Borgonha-Franco-Condado
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon
One of the oldest museums in France, housed in the ducal palace. It preserves the tombs of the dukes of Burgundy, Fayum funerary portraits and paintings from the Renaissance to the 19th century. Admission to the permanent collections is free.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon
The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon occupies the wing of the former ducal palace, the seat of the Burgundian state in the 15th century. It is one of the oldest museums in France and underwent a full renovation completed in 2019, which arranged around 1,500 works across roughly 50 rooms.
The most famous piece is in the Salle des Gardes, the palace’s great hall: the tombs of Philip the Bold and John the Fearless with his wife, Margaret of Bavaria. Around the recumbent figures, dozens of small hooded monk statues, the pleurants (mourners), seem to walk in procession. They are masterpieces of late Medieval sculpture, associated with the workshop of Claus Sluter.
The collection extends far beyond the dukes: Fayum funerary portraits from Roman Egypt, Flemish altarpieces, paintings by Titian, Guido Reni, Philippe de Champaigne, Georges de La Tour, Delacroix, Géricault, Manet and Monet, as well as sculptures by François Rude, who was born in Dijon.
Since 2004, the permanent collections of Dijon’s municipal museums have been free to enter. Temporary exhibitions and some guided tours and workshops are paid.
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
Two hours are enough for the dukes’ tombs and the main rooms. Those who enjoy painting can spend a whole morning.
Best time
Right at opening, when the Salle des Gardes is quieter. Rainy days and winter, with short afternoons, are good occasions for a visit. Many French municipal museums close one day a week: check before you go.
How to get there
The entrance is in the Palais des ducs itself, in the historic centre, about a 15-minute walk from Dijon-Ville station. From the Musée, Notre-Dame and the Rue des Forges are just a few steps away.
Tip
Begin with the Salle des Gardes and look closely at the pleurants: each figure has a different gesture. Leave your backpack in the cloakroom if available, and check whether there is a temporary exhibition, which is paid.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon
Is there an entrance fee?
For the permanent collections, no: Dijon’s municipal museums have been free since 2004. Temporary exhibitions, guided tours and workshops are paid.
What shouldn't be missed on the visit?
The tombs of the Dukes of Burgundy, with the pleurants, in the Salle des Gardes. After that, the Fayum portraits and the European painting rooms.
How long does the visit take?
About two hours for the essentials. At a leisurely pace, a whole morning.
Is there information in any language other than French?
The rooms have texts in French and generally in English. Check at the desk whether a multimedia guide is available in other languages.