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Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon

About

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon is one of France’s most prestigious art museums, housed in a former Benedictine abbey dating back to the 17th century. Located on Place des Terreaux, the museum is often called the “little Louvre” for the breadth of its collections. Visitors can explore galleries spanning antiquities, medieval art, Renaissance masterpieces, and modern works, with highlights from artists such as Rubens, Delacroix, and Picasso. Its sculpture garden, set within the cloister, offers a tranquil retreat in the heart of the city. Beyond its permanent collections, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions that connect Lyon’s rich cultural heritage with global artistic dialogues. Combining architectural elegance with artistic treasures, the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon stands as a cornerstone of the city’s identity, inviting discovery and reflection across centuries of creativity.

Lyon France

Location

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon is located at 20 Place des Terreaux in the 1st arrondissement of Lyon, housed in a magnificent former 17th-century Benedictine abbey. The museum sits in the heart of Lyon’s Presqu’île district, overlooking the lively and historic Place des Terreaux square. Nearby, visitors can explore Lyon’s City Hall (Hôtel de Ville), the Opera House, and charming pedestrian streets filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants. The museum's cloister gardens offer a peaceful retreat with sculptures displayed in a serene setting away from the city buzz. Excellent public transport links via metro lines A and C at the Hôtel de Ville - Louis Pradel station make the museum easily accessible, and it is within walking distance of other cultural landmarks such as the Lyon Cathedral and the Saône riverbanks.

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon

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