Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

Bourg-en-Bresse Municipal Museum, also known as the Brou Museum, was founded in 1854. It has been housed since 1922 in a wing of the Royal Monastery of Brou, a historic building of the city. Its creation is linked to the donation of 120 paintings by Thomas Riboud, lawyer and MP for Ain, who saved the abbey of destruction by classifying it as a national monument. This initial fund, enriched later, forms the core of current collections.

The museum presents a rich collection of paintings, covering Flemish and Dutch works of the 15th and 16th centuries, with artists such as Bernard Van Orley, Jan Brueghel l'Ancienne or Frans Snyders. The Italian painting is represented by Defendente Ferrari and Pietro della Vecchia, while the French section includes works by Jean Jouvenet, Nicolas de Largillierre and François de Troy. The 19th and 20th centuries were illustrated by artists such as Gustave Moreau, Jean-François Millet, Pierre Soulages and Olivier Debré.

The ancient religious sculpture (XIIth-17th century) is another highlight of the museum, exhibited in the monastery's refectory. The museum also houses furniture and a collection of earthenware. There are regular temporary exhibitions, strengthening its cultural role in the region.

The Royal Monastery of Brou, which houses the museum, is closely linked to Marguerite d'Austria, founder of the site at the beginning of the sixteenth century. His portrait, painted by Bernard Van Orley, is one of the main pieces of the collections. The museum thus highlights both local history and works of European scope.

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