Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The museum of Brou originated from the legacy of Mr. Lorin, a magistrate of the region, who in 1854 offered his collection of 105 paintings. This legacy founded the institution, originally conceived as a space dedicated to fine arts and science. The final installation in the buildings of the former Abbey of Brou took place in 1922, marking a key step in its development. Between 1854 and 1945, the collections were enriched by donations, private bequests and state deposits, diversifying the fields covered.

From 1946 onwards, the museum benefited from a clean acquisition budget, which was amplified in the 1970s. The creation of the Regional Acquisition Fund for Museums (FRAM) in 1982, as well as the patronage of the Friends of the Museum Association, allowed further expansion of collections. Today, the museum is distinguished by its holdings in Flemish art (15th-17th centuries), French art (17th-17th centuries), and contemporary art, including lyrical abstraction from the 1950s. Its architectural setting, a former 16th century convent in stone and wood, adds to its heritage interest.

The former abbey of Brou, classified as a historical monument, has been used by the museum for a century. The vaulted spaces and French ceilings recall its religious past, while the collections reflect the evolution of artistic tastes, from decorative arts to modern art. The museum, labeled Musée de France, remains a major cultural actor in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, combining architectural heritage and rich collections.

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