Musee des Beaux-Arts de Lyon

About

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon is France’s largest fine‑art museum outside Paris, boasting an encyclopedic collection that spans five millennia of artistic history. Located in the historic Place des Terreaux and housed in a former 17th‑century Benedictine abbey, the museum offers visitors an extraordinary journey through antiquity, Greek‑Roman, Egyptian and modern French art. Its five main galleries showcase masterpieces from the Renaissance to contemporary movements, while special exhibitions bring fresh perspectives each year. Visitors can explore iconic works such as Nicolas Poussin’s “Flee into Egypt” and Monet’s “Etretat” in a setting that blends historic architecture with modern amenities: a sculpture garden, a storied chapel and a glass‑roofed Great Hall. The museum’s family‑friendly programs, free admission for children under three and for holders of student, disability, or youth cards, and a comfortable café‑restaurant make it an ideal destination for solo travellers, couples, and families alike.

Highlights

• Ancient Egyptian Collection
• French 19th‑Century Paintings
• Chapel of Sculptures

Must-See Areas

Good to Know

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 4 hours 23 minutes

Tickets & pricing