Musée des Beaux-Arts Lyon:  Why It’s My Favorite Lyon Museum

If you love art, the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon should be high on your Lyon itinerary. Housed in a former 17th-century Benedictine convent on Place des Terreaux, this impressive museum has an extensive collection spanning ancient Egyptian artifacts, European paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and more.

I’ve visited the Musée des Beaux-Arts several times, and it’s my favorite museum in Lyon. I’m especially drawn to the classical sculptures and Impressionist paintings, but I also love the peaceful cloister garden in the heart of the museum.

In this guide, I’ll show you what you’ll find inside, highlight some of the artists and works I especially enjoy, and share practical tips to help you plan your visit.

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Psst! Get free entry to this museum (and over 20 more), plus free tours and free public transportation with the Lyon City Card!

Collections and Exhibits

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon offers you a wide variety of artworks ranging from ancient Antiquité to Modern Art, including an extensive collection of medals and coins.

It’s a cultural treasure trove where you can explore various epochs and artistic styles as you wander through its well-curated collections and exhibitions.

It’s certainly one of the best museums in Lyon!

Fine Art

The Fine Art collection allows you to take a journey through art history with an impressive assortment of œuvres by renowned artists.

Discover masterpieces of French painting, among which are works representing the Renaissance, all the way through Contemporary Art.

One of my favorite styles is Impressionist art, so I enjoyed seeing works by Monet and Pissarro.

If you love European art, then visiting this museum should certainly be at the top of your Lyon things to do list!

Sculpture

In the Sculpture section, admire a vast array of sculptures and statues, offering an intimate experience with three-dimensional art forms.  The museum has nearly 1000 works of sculpture!

The museum showcases artwork from different periods, emphasizing the beauty and craftsmanship of each piece, from delicate Middle Ages figures to robust modern sculptures. 

I love the sculpture gallery on the lowest floor of the museum, with classical sculptures such as Leda and the Swan as well as some lovely large-scale oil paintings.

Antiquities

Your exploration continues as you delve into the Antiquities collection which includes a fascinating display of items from Ancient Egypt.

Witness artifacts that tell tales of the Roman Empire and life along the Nile, revealing the complexity and richness of these ancient civilizations.

Medals and Coins

The Medals and Coins section, also known as the Médaillier, will captivate you with its variety of Monnaies (Coins), Médailles (Medals), and Sceaux (Seals).

Here you can unravel the history written on these miniature works of art, each telling its own story from different eras and regions.

Temporary Exhibitions

Don’t miss the museum’s Temporary Exhibitions, where you are offered a glimpse into diverse artistic themes and periods.

These temporary displays complement the permanent collections, bringing new conversations and contemporary viewpoints to the forefront.

Notable Artists

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon houses an impressive collection of works from renowned artists of various eras.

It has an especially strong collection of European art.  Discover masterpieces by Old Masters, marvel at the creations of the Impressionists, and admire contemporary works.

Here are some of the most famous artists whose works are on display at the Lyon Fine Arts Museum.  You’re sure to find some of your favorite artists represented here!

• Rembrandt (1606–1669): A Dutch master known for his compelling portraits and biblical scenes.

• Peter Paul Rubens (1577–1640): A Flemish Baroque painter with a bold, dynamic style.

• Nicolas Poussin (1594–1665): A French painter specializing in historical and mythological subjects.

• Théodore Géricault (1791–1824): His dramatic and emotive style paved the way for Romanticism.

• Eugène Delacroix (1798–1863): A French Romantic artist famous for his vibrant color usage.

• Claude Monet (1840-1926) – A key figure in the Impressionist movement, known for his expressive landscapes and studies of light.

• Paul Gauguin (1848–1903): His post-Impressionist works are known for their bold colors and depictions of exotic places.

• Henri Matisse (1869–1954): A leading figure of Fauvism, celebrated for his innovative use of color and form.

• Edouard Manet (1832-1883) – A pivotal figure in the transition from Realism to Impressionism.

• Pablo Picasso (1881–1973): Co-founder of the Cubist movement, whose influence on art history is immeasurable.

Visitor Information

Planning your visit to the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Lyon is easy with this guide.  You’ll have all the information you need to enjoy an amazing experience at one of France’s best art museums.

Current visitor note: Some museum galleries may be temporarily closed during exhibition installations. Check the official museum website for current information before your visit.

Opening Hours

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon welcomes visitors six days a week:

•           Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

•           Tuesday: Closed

•           Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

•           Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

•           Friday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM

•           Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

•           Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Tip: The ticket office closes at 5:30 p.m., and visitors are asked to leave the galleries beginning at 5:50 p.m. I visited late in the day and was surprised when staff started clearing the museum—including the garden—before closing time, so don’t leave the parts you most want to see until the last few minutes.

Tickets and Membership

You can purchase tickets upon arrival or in advance through the museum’s website.

Individual Ticket Prices:

• Adults: 8 EUR (12 EUR with exhibitions)
• Young adults (aged 18-25): 4 EUR (7 EUR with exhibitions)
• Children (aged 0-18):  Free (1 EUR for activities)

Lyon City Museums Card (Carte Musées)

• Individual membership: 25 EUR (unlimited access for a year)
• Includes unlimited access for a year to these museums: Museum of Fine Arts, Gadagne Museums, Museum of Contemporary Art, Center for the History of Resistance and Deportation (CHRD), Museum of Printing and Graphic Communication, Henri Malartre Museum

Lyon City Card

• Cost varies based on duration of card
• Includes free access to over 20 Lyon museums, free city tours, and unlimited use of Lyon’s public transportation.

Read my full review of the Lyon City Card or buy your Lyon City Card!

Accessibility

The museum strives to be accessible to all visitors:

•           Facilities include:

o          Wheelchair-accessible entrances

o          Elevators to all floors

If you need additional assistance, the visitor services desk is always ready to help.

History

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon is steeped in historical significance, having evolved from a post-revolutionary collection into one of France’s premier art institutions. Your journey through its history will reveal the transformation of an ancient convent into a celebrated museum.

Genesis of the Museum

The museum had its inception in 1801, born out of the cultural shifts following the Révolution. The first works of art were displayed during a phase as a drawing school established by the city.

This early phase marked the beginning of the museum’s mission to make art accessible to the public.

The Palais Saint-Pierre

Originally a Benedictine Convent from the 17th century, the Palais Saint-Pierre became the museum’s home.

In this transition, you witness the adaptation of religious architecture for secular, cultural use, providing a historical backdrop for the artworks.

Transformation and Restoration

As you explore the museum today, the layers of restoration efforts are evident.

The most significant restoration occurred after 1985, modernizing facilities while respecting its historical essence.

Upgrades continued into the 21st century, allowing for better exhibition spaces and visitor experiences while preserving the building’s integrity.

Architecture

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon has a unique architectural narrative that spans centuries.   Its history started as a 17th-century convent and underwent renovations. As you explore the building, you appreciate the marriage of historic charm and modern conveniences.

Convent Origins

Originally, the Convent of the Ladies of Saint Pierre served as the foundation for the museum’s current structure.

Located on the edge of Place des Terreaux, its walls once echoed with the quiet solitude of convent life.

The architectural centerpiece of this historic period is the Cloître, or cloister, which provides a serene, enclosed garden space that contrasts with the bustling city outside.

This is one of my favorite parts of the museum, and you can enter the gardens for free!

Modern Renovations

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the museum underwent significant modern renovations.

These updates were crafted to seamlessly integrate with the original convent architecture, bringing in modern amenities and lighting while respecting the building’s historical integrity.

Your visit to the museum now includes elements such as climate control and state-of-the-art exhibition spaces, ensuring both the preservation of the artwork and the comfort of visitors like you.

Lyon Musée des Beaux-Arts FAQ

The following are some of the most commonly asked questions about the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon to help you plan your visit.

Final Thoughts:

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon is one of those museums where you could easily spend several hours—but you don’t have to see everything to enjoy it. For me, the classical sculptures, Impressionist paintings, and peaceful cloister garden are the highlights. And because the museum is right on Place des Terreaux, it’s easy to combine with other sightseeing in the Presqu’île.

If you’re short on time, I’d still encourage you to stop in, even if you only have time to see a few galleries and wander through the garden. And if you’re visiting Lyon on a rainy day, this is one of my favorite places to escape the weather while still having a fantastic Lyon experience.

If you’re building your Lyon itinerary, my guide to the best things to do in Lyon is a good place to start. Spending time in the historic center? My guide to Vieux Lyon covers the neighborhood’s best sights, restaurants, and hotels. And if you’re looking for more ways to experience Lyon’s food scene, check out my recommendations for the best food tours in Lyon.

Of course, if you have a little more time, don’t stop with the Musée des Beaux-Arts—there are plenty of other fascinating museums in Lyon to explore.

Do you love fine arts? Pin this for later so you don’t miss out on Lyon’s fabulous Fine Arts Museum!