Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Museum of Fine Arts of Limoges, formerly the museum of the Bishopric, has occupied since 1912 the former Episcopal Palace of the eighteenth century, built between 1766 and 1774 by Joseph Brousseau for Bishop of the Plessis of Argentré. This granite building, inspired by Beauvais Castle, is a rare example of classical architecture in Limoges. Nationalized in 1905, it houses collections from 19th-century municipal holdings enriched by donations and bequests, such as that of Jean-André Périchon in 1931 (2,000 Egyptian objects).

The museum is organized around three poles: the Limous enamels (from the 12th to the 20th century), fine arts (paintings, sculptures, drawings) and archaeology, including Roman and medieval remains discovered during excavations (2004-2007). The chapel, with decorations of the 18th-XIXth centuries, and the French gardens complete this site classified historical monument. A major renovation (2006-2010), led by Véronique Notin and the architects Dubois, modernized the spaces, adding a temporary exhibition room and reserves under the court of honor.

The permanent collections include works by Renoir, Suzanne Valadon, and an exceptional series of Art Nouveau and Art Deco windows by Francis Chigot. The museum plays a key role in valuing the limousine heritage, notably through its enamels — among the richest in the world — and its lapidary Romanesque fonds. Its anchor in the Historical City, near Saint-Étienne Cathedral, makes it a major cultural actor in southwestern France.

Founded in 1845 by the Prefect Morisot (father of Berthe Morisot), the museum evolved thanks to patrons like Adrien Dubouche, director in 1865, who developed the ceramic section. After occupying the former presidial and then the Town Hall, he settled permanently in the Episcopal Palace in 1912. Successive bequests (Emaux Bourdery in 1947, Périchon collection) and acquisitions (like a Renoir in 1999) shaped his identity.

Archaeological excavations (2004-2007) revealed ten phases of occupation of the site, from the second to the eighteenth century, including ancient thermal baths and medieval cellars. These discoveries, integrated into the museum routes, illustrate the thousand-year history of Limoges. The museum, labeled Musée de France in 2002, combines architectural heritage, exceptional collections and innovation, as evidenced by its virtual exhibition during the health crisis of 2020.

Collection

La collection d'émail qui assure la singularité et la renommée du musée offre un large panorama de la production des ateliers limousins du XIIe siècle à nos jours.

External links