Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon, established in 1787, is one of France's premier and oldest fine arts museums. Located in the heart of Dijon, it occupies the historic Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, a 15th-century ducal residence that later served as the royal residence and the seat of Burgundy's States. The museum underwent a comprehensive renovation and expansion between 2006 and 2019, reopening with 1,500 artworks displayed across 50 rooms. Its encyclopedic collections span Egyptian antiquities, medieval and Renaissance masterpieces, and extensive European paintings from the 17th to 20th centuries, including works by Titian, Veronese, Rubens, Monet, and Manet. Noteworthy are the tombs of Philip the Bold and John the Fearless, adorned with mourners from the Chartreuse of Champmol, and the finest collection of German and Swiss primitives in France. The museum also features significant extra-European collections, such as Islamic ceramics, African ivories and masks, and Asian porcelains and sculptures. Its rich historical setting combined with a diverse art collection makes it a cultural highlight in Burgundy and a must-visit for art lovers.
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Tip: Visit during weekdays outside of school holidays for a quieter experience. Booking tickets online in advance is recommended to avoid queues, especially during peak tourist seasons. The museum offers concessions for students, seniors, and groups. Check the official website for special exhibitions and cultural event schedules to enhance your visit.
Interesting facts
- •The museum houses the tombs of Philip the Bold and John the Fearless, which are masterpieces of Burgundian sculpture.
- •It possesses the most important collection of German and Swiss primitive paintings in France.
- •During World War II, 912 of its most important works were evacuated to the Château de Châteauneuf-en-Auxois for safekeeping.
- •The museum's renovation from 2006 to 2019 increased its exhibition space to 50 rooms displaying 1,500 works.
- •Its collections include rare Fayum mummy portraits from ancient Egypt.
History
Founded by decree of the Estates of Burgundy in 1787, the museum was initially created to support art education by gathering exemplary works.
It is housed in the former ducal palace, which was the seat of Burgundy's government in the 15th century and later became a royal residence.
The building was redesigned in the 17th century by Jules Hardouin-Mansart.
The museum opened to the public in 1799 and expanded its collections through imperial grants, state deposits, donations, and legacies.
During World War II, its most valuable artworks were evacuated for protection.
A major renovation from 2006 culminated in a grand reopening in 2019, significantly enhancing the museum's exhibition spaces and visitor facilities.
Place Guide
The Tombs of the Dukes of BurgundyLate 14th - early 15th century
These elaborate tombs belong to Philip the Bold and John the Fearless, adorned with lifelike mourners sculpted in the late 14th and early 15th centuries, originally from the Chartreuse of Champmol.
Middle Ages – Renaissance RouteRenovated and inaugurated in 2013
A renovated exhibition path showcasing artworks from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, highlighting masters such as Melchior Broederlam, Robert Campin, and Paolo Veronese.
French Paintings CollectionVarious periods from 17th to 19th century
An extensive collection featuring artists from the time of Louis XIV through the 19th century, including works by Georges de La Tour, Rubens, and Jean-Baptiste Greuze.
Modern Art Section19th and 20th centuries
Features important works from the 19th and 20th centuries, including pieces by Théodore Géricault, Claude Monet, Édouard Manet, Georges Braque, and Nicolas de Staël.
Extra-European Collections
Showcases diverse objects such as Islamic ceramics, African masks and ivories, Chinese and Japanese porcelains, and pre-Columbian ceramics, reflecting a global artistic heritage.
Contact
Phone: 03 80 74 52 09
