About
The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon, also known as the Fine Arts Museum of Lyon, stands on the Place des Terreaux in the 1st arrondissement of Lyon, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. It is the second largest fine arts museum in France, after the Louvre, and it makes a rewarding half-day or full-day visit for anyone interested in art across many centuries.
What you will see
The collections run from ancient Egypt to modern art, so a single visit can move from early artefacts to paintings and sculpture of more recent decades. Visitors who enjoy comparing periods and cultures will find the range especially satisfying.
The building
The museum is housed in a former Benedictine convent, and the old religious setting gives the galleries a character quite different from a purpose-built modern space. Walking from room to room, you are aware of the building's history as well as the works on its walls.
Planning your visit
- Address: 20 Place des Terreaux, 69001 Lyon, France
- Telephone: +33 4 72 10 17 40
- Location: on the Place des Terreaux, in the historic centre of Lyon, so it pairs easily with a walk through the old town and the surrounding squares.
Because the museum sits in the heart of the city, it is simple to combine with other stops in Lyon. Check opening times and admission details by phone before you set out, as these can change.
