Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Musée de Grenoble has its origins in the years following the French Revolution. In 1798, citizens of Grenoble obtained the creation of the museum by the departmental administration to preserve the works seized, especially in the abbeys of Dauphiné such as Saint-Antoine or the Grande Chartreuse. Louis-Joseph Jay, first curator, installed the collections at the palace of the bishopric, with works such as Saint Jerome de Georges de la Tour or paintings sent by the state from 1799.

From the 19th century, the museum was enriched by prestigious purchases (Venice View of Canaletto in 1840) and exceptional bequests, such as that of Léonce Mesnard in 1890, which strengthened his graphic arts firm. In 1876, a new building designed by Charles-Auguste Questel was inaugurated in Verdun Square, home to both the museum and the municipal library. General de Beylié's donations, including four Zurbarán in 1901, confirmed his reputation as a major museum.

In the 20th century, under the leadership of Andry-Farcy (conservative from 1919 to 1949), the museum became a pioneer of modern art. He acquired works by Matisse, Picasso, Léger or Soutine, thanks to donations from artists, collectors (Peggy Guggenheim, Jacques Doucet) and merchants (Kahnweiller, Vollard). The legacy of Agutte-Sembat in 1923, with neo-impressionist and fawn pieces, was definitely its reference status. In 1993, a new modern building was inaugurated, incorporating medieval remains such as the Isle Tower.

Today, the Grenoble Museum is distinguished by the balance of its collections, ranging from Egyptian antiquity to contemporary art. Its 62 rooms exhibit 4,500 paintings, 400 sculptures and 5,500 drawings, while its architecture, signed by Group 6, combines heritage (visible 14th century wall) and modernity (glass gateway linking the medieval tower).

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