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Museum · Bayonne, Nova Aquitânia
Musée Bonnat-Helleu
Bayonne's fine arts museum: paintings and drawings from Antiquity to the 20th century, with works by Goya, Rembrandt and Degas.
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 Bonnat-Helleu
The Musée Bonnat-Helleu was born from the donation of the painter Léon Bonnat (1833–1922), born in Bayonne, who left the city his collection of paintings, sculptures and especially drawings by great masters. In 2011 the museum took on the name of painter and printmaker Paul Helleu, whose work entered the collection.
The displays occupy three floors around a central courtyard, with a glass roof and mosaic floors. The collection ranges from Antiquity to the 20th century and is one of the most important drawing collections in France, with sheets attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael and Rembrandt.
Among the paintings are Goya's self-portrait with glasses and Degas's portrait of Léon Bonnat, as well as works by French, Spanish, Italian and Flemish masters. The museum, nicknamed the 'little Louvre', also has a café and a shop.
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
About an hour and a half to two hours.
Best time
Since reopening the museum has attracted many visitors; go early at opening time, or on weekdays. The drawings are shown on rotation for conservation reasons. Check the opening hours and days closed before you go.
How to get there
It is in Petit Bayonne, near the Musée Basque and the quays of the Nive, about a 10-minute walk from the train station and 5 minutes from the cathedral, across the bridge.
Tip
Book tickets on the official website for weekends and holiday periods. Combine it with the Musée Basque, just a few steps away, if you have the energy for two museums in one day.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Musée Bonnat-Helleu
What is in the Musée Bonnat-Helleu?
Paintings, sculptures and a large collection of drawings from Antiquity to the 20th century, with works by Goya, Degas and drawings attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael and Rembrandt.
Who was Léon Bonnat?
A painter born in Bayonne, who lived from 1833 to 1922 and was a famous portraitist in Paris. He donated his collection to the city, which led to the founding of the museum.