Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Musée des Beaux-Arts d'Orléans, located in the Loiret department in the Centre-Val de Loire region, was founded in 1797 on the initiative of Jean Bardin, director of the drawing school of Orléans, and Aignan-Thomas Desfriches. It is one of the oldest provincial museums in France. Its initial collections come from revolutionary seizures in religious institutions, supplemented by donations and bequests over the centuries. Set up successively in various buildings ( episcopal palace, chapel of a college, hotel des Créneaux), it underwent several moves before finally settling in 1984 in a modern building designed by Christian Langlois, next to the new town hall.

The original collection of the museum was made up of collections by Desfriches and Bardin, enriched by works seized during the Revolution. In the 19th century, major donors such as Count André Gaspard Parfait de Bizemont, Madame de Limay (daughter of Desfriches), and artists such as Henry de Triqueti or Léon Cogniet expanded the collections. In 1823, the museum was re-founded by the Count of Rocheplatte, Mayor of Orléans, and installed in the Hôtel des Créneaux. In 1855, historical collections were separated to form the Orléan archaeological museum, while the Museum of Fine Arts continued to enrich itself.

The museum's collections cover a period from the 15th to the 20th century, with major works of Western painting. There are paintings by Italian masters such as Le Corrège, Tintoret, or Guido Reni, Flemish and Dutch painters such as Van Dyck, Brueghel, or Ruisdael, as well as a rich collection of French paintings (La Tour, Watteau, Delacroix, Courbet, Gauguin). The pastels collection, second in France after the Louvre, and the graphic arts firm (10,000 drawings, 50,000 prints) are particularly remarkable.

The museum suffered significant damage during the Second World War, especially in the room dedicated to the donation Paul Fourché. After decades of evolution, it was completely redesigned from 2016 under the direction of Olivia Voisin. The collections were reorganized chronologically, with floors dedicated to the 16th-17th centuries (2016), 17th-15th centuries (2018), and 19th century (2020-2021). Three new rooms devoted to the period 1870-1900 opened in August 2024.

Among the flagship works are paintings such as La Virgo à l'Enfant du Corrège, Saint Thomas de Velasquez (one of the only two paintings of the master in France), or La Fête Gloanec de Gauguin. The sculptures include busts by Houdon (Voltaire, Rousseau) and works by Rodin, Maillol, or Picasso. The pastels cabinet, with pieces by Chardin, La Tour, and Perronneau, is one of the richest in France. The museum also preserves an important background of prints, including a rare engraving by Dürer, Samson killing the lion (circa 1497–99).

Today, the Musée des Beaux-Arts d'Orléans, labeled Musée de France, is distinguished by its eclectic collections and dynamic museum approach. It showcases major works of Western art, while offering temporary exhibitions in its underground rooms. Its current address, 1 Place Sainte-Croix, makes it a central place in Orlean cultural life, attracting both ancient and modern art lovers.

External links