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Museum · Rennes, Bretanha
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rennes
Art museum on the banks of the Vilaine, with works from Antiquity to the 20th century, including Le Nouveau-né (The Newborn) by Georges de La Tour. Access 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.
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About Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rennes
The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rennes occupies the former university palace on Quai Émile Zola, on the banks of the Vilaine. The collection began with works seized from churches and public buildings during the Revolution in 1794, and with the cabinet of curiosities of the marquis de Robien, president of the Parliament of the Bretanha in the 18th century.
17th-century French painting is the museum's strong point. The best-known work is Le Nouveau-né, The Newborn, by Georges de La Tour, a painting lit by a single candle. There are also works by Charles Le Brun, Philippe de Champaigne and Rubens.
The museum also holds a large collection of drawings, with sheets attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Dürer and Rembrandt, as well as archaeology and 19th- and 20th-century art.
Access to the permanent collections is free, while temporary exhibitions may have different rules.
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
1 to 2 hours.
Best time
Any day it's open; French museums typically close one day a week, so check before you go.
How to get there
It's on Quai Émile Zola, about a 10-minute walk from Gare de Rennes. République metro (line A) or Saint-Germain (line B).
Tip
Go straight to the 17th-century painting room to see Le Nouveau-né, then walk along the banks of the Vilaine to Place de la République.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rennes
Is there an entrance fee?
Access to the permanent collections is free of charge. Temporary exhibitions may have different rules; check in advance.
What is the museum's best-known work?
The Newborn (O Recém-Nascido), by Georges de La Tour, a 17th‑century painting lit by a single candle.
Is the museum far from the center?
No. It sits on the banks of the river Vilaine, a few minutes' walk from Place de la République and the station.