Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Musée des Beaux-Arts et d'Archéologie de Besançon originated in 1694 when Abbé Jean-Baptiste Boisot left his collections (manuscripts, books, medals, paintings and busts) to the Benedictines of Saint Vincent, provided that they were accessible to the public twice a week. This "Bibliothèque-musée Boisot" became the first public museum in France, almost a century before the Louvre. It was frequented throughout the 18th century and enriched after the Revolution by confiscations of works.

In 1819, architect Pierre-Adrien Pâris left 38 paintings and 183 drawings, including works by Fragonard. In 1894, Jean Gigoux's legacy brought more than 3,000 drawings and 460 paintings, covering European schools. Finally, in 1960, George Besson and his wife offered 112 paintings and 220 modern drawings, consolidating the museum's reputation. These successive donations have shaped his eclectic collections, ranging from Egyptology to contemporary art.

Installed in 1843 in the former grain hall designed by Pierre Marnotte, the museum now occupies an emblematic building of the Place de la Révolution. Redesigned in 1967-1970 by Louis Miquel, a student of Le Corbusier, he underwent a major renovation between 2015 and 2018, led by Adelfo Scaranello. Inaugurated by Emmanuel Macron in November 2018, it now attracts more than 100,000 visitors a year.

Archaeological collections include rare Egyptian pieces, such as the mummies of Seramon and Ankhpakhered, as well as Gallo-Roman objects, including the famous Taurus of Avrigney. European painting, from the 14th to the 20th century, is represented by Italian masters (Bellini, Bronzino), Flemish (Rubens, Brueghel) and French (Courbet, Rodin). The design firm, with more than 5,500 pieces, is among the richest in France.

The museum also illustrates local history, with works such as the bust of Helvetia de Courbet, symbol of his Swiss exile. The sculptures, from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, complete this artistic panorama. Ranked Musée de France, it combines historical heritage and modernity, thanks to bold arrangements, such as the concrete structure of Miquel or the contemporary window.

Collection

Les collections du musée sont essentiellement le fruit de quatre grandes donations. L'abbé Boisot lègue en 1694 sa collection (manuscrits, livres imprimés, médailles, onze tableaux et quatre bustes provenant de la famille Granvelle : Nicolas Perrenot de Granvelle et son fils Antoine Perrenot de Granvelle) à son couvent bénédictin de la ville (Saint-Vincent), à condition que ces collections soient accessibles au public deux fois par semaine.

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