Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen was created in 1801 by decree Chaptal under the Consulate of Napoleon Bonaparte. Its collections, originally modest, were enriched throughout the 19th century, becoming one of the most complete museums in France after the Paris museum. Today, it houses more than 8,000 works, including an internationally renowned graphic arts firm.

The current building, designed by architect Louis Sauvageot between 1877 and 1888, is located in the heart of Rouen, opposite square Verdrel. The entrance is framed by statues by Nicolas Poussin and Michel Anguier, two Norman artists. The left wing, damaged during World War II, was restored, and a complete renovation was completed in 1994.

The collections cover works from the 15th century to the present, with highlights in 17th century painting, Impressionism (thanks to the donation François Depeaux in 1909) and Modern Art. The museum regularly organizes temporary exhibitions with international impact, such as the 2010 exhibition on Impressionism, which attracted more than 240,000 visitors.

Featured works include paintings by Caravage, Poussin, Delacroix, Monet, Gauguin, Modigliani and Marcel Duchamp. The museum also benefits from major donations, such as that of Jacques-Émile Blanche in 1921 or the Alexandre family (works by Modigliani). Its acquisition budget amounted to EUR 150,000 per year in 2007.

In 2010, the museum recorded a record attendance with nearly 300,000 visitors, thanks to emblematic exhibitions and events such as the Impressionist Nights, a show of monumental projections on its façade. Labeled Musée de France, he remains a major cultural actor in Normandy.

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