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Key figures

Origin and history

The Courbet Museum, dedicated to the work of the painter Gustave Courbet, is located in Ornans in the Doubs department. Created in 1971 by Robert Fernier in the Hôtel Hébert, home of Courbet, it became the property of the department in 1976. Completely renovated and enlarged between 2008 and 2011, it annexed two historic buildings, bringing its surface to more than 2,000 m2, including 1,000 m2 of permanent and temporary exhibitions.

The origin of the museum dates back to 1947, when Robert Fernier and Gaston Delestre founded a first collection in Ornans City Hall, with five paintings. In 1969, the Société des amis de Courbet acquired the Hôtel Hébert, home of the painter, to install the museum, inaugurated in 1971. After the acquisition of the Champereux Hotel (1994) and the Borel House (2003), major works (2008-2011) allow its expansion, financed by the department, the region, the state and the big loan.

The museum houses 75 works by Courbet and his entourage, including 41 paintings and four sculptures by the master. Among the notable pieces figure View of Ornans (circa 1872), classified MNR and awaiting restitution. Since 2014, the Orsay Museum has been the scientific sponsor, facilitating domestic and international loans. The building, partially classified as a historical monument in 1982, preserves period interiors (kitchen, bedroom, fireplaces).

Temporary exhibitions explore various themes, such as the links between Courbet and Impressionism (2016), or confrontations with contemporary artists (Yan Pei-Ming in 2019). In 2023-2024, two paintings from the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nice were deposited: Le Chevreuil chased to listen (1867) and Le Saut du Doubs. The museum plays a key role in valuing the realism and artistic heritage of France.

The architecture of the museum combines a 16th century building, restored in the 18th century by the Hébert family, and modern extensions by Christine Edeikins (Workshops 234). The hanging garden, on the edge of the Loue, and the rooms with unchanged décor (natal room, Salon Hébert) offer an immersion in the world of the painter. Labeled Museum of France, it attracts visitors for its territorial anchor and unique collection.

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