Tours Museum of Fine Arts An artistic journey to the heart of the Loire Valley

Welcome to the former Archbishops’ Palace, a listed historic monument that today houses some remarkable collections. It tells the story of art, from the Italian Primitives to the Impressionists. Masterpieces by Mantegna, Rembrandt, Delacroix and Monet await you in this magical place, where the majestic two-hundred-year-old cedar in the courtyard and the formal garden add a touch of grace to your visit.

An exceptional architectural setting

The former archbishops’ palace: a historic monument

Remember time as you cross the threshold of this episcopal palace, whose majestic silhouette stands on the remains of the 4th-century Gallo-Roman rampart. The first bishops chose this strategic location, in the shadow of the cathedral, to build their residence, which has stood the test of time.

Watch the splendid salle des États généraux, a witness to the great hours of French history, where the assemblies of 1468 and 1484 met. In the 18th century, Monseigneur Rosset de Fleury completed the ensemble with an elegant main building with a pediment, its terraces harmoniously following the curve of the ancient Roman amphitheatre.

The majestic courtyard and its cedar of Lebanon

At the heart of the former palace, a plant giant welcomes you: the famous cedar of Lebanon, planted in 1804 under Napoleon I. Its impressive dimensions – 31 metres high and a span of 33 metres – make it one of the most remarkable in Europe. Designated a “Remarkable Tree of France” in 2001, this verdant patriarch spreads its branches over almost 800 m².

Under its benevolent shade, the courtyard of honour becomes a haven of peace where nature and architecture converse harmoniously. Visitors from all over the world stop by, fascinated by its magisterial silhouette, which seems to have been watching over the works of art for more than two centuries.

Fritz, the museum’s legendary elephant

In an annex of the museum, a moving encounter awaits you: Fritz, a pachyderm measuring 2.90 metres at the withers, whose imposing silhouette has fascinated visitors for over a century. Born in Asia in the 1820s, this former Barnum circus resident met a tragic fate in Tours in 1902. His carefully naturalised remains were installed in the palace’s former stables in 1903.

Now protected by a glass cage, Fritz has become much more than a mere curiosity: a powerful symbol of animal welfare, honoured by a garden in his name in 2020. New generations of Tourangeaux are carrying on this tradition by coming to salute this emblematic figure of their city.

All our museums in Tours

The permanent collections: a unique heritage

Masterpieces from Mantegna to Delacroix

Wander through the prestigious rooms where the treasures of the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Tours are revealed. Andrea Mantegna’s two panels, veritable jewels of the Italian Renaissance, retrace with extraordinary precision the biblical scenes from the altarpiece of San Zeno in Verona. Their arrival in 1803 marked a turning point in the history of the Tours collections.

In the reception rooms, the works of Delacroix bear witness to the romantic genius of the 19th century. His vibrantly coloured canvases interact with exceptional period furniture, creating a unique atmosphere where art and history meet. Natural light, filtering through the high windows of the former bishop’s palace, sublimates these masterpieces that have made the museum internationally renowned.

The wealth of Italian Primitives

Octave Linet’s bequest in 1963 marked a major turning point for the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours. This exceptional donation constitutes the most importantcollection of Italian Primitives in France after that of the Louvre. Works by Lorenzo Veneziano, Naddo Ceccarelli and Giovanni di Paolo reveal the mastery of Trecento and Quattrocento artists.

In the rooms on the first floor, admire the panels on gold backgrounds where the light plays with the delicate figures of the saints. The meticulous detail, rich drapery and expressive faces bear witness to the refinement of this pivotal period between medieval and Renaissance art. These works tell the story of the evolution of Italian painting towards a more naturalistic art, heralding the artistic innovations of the 15th century.

Modern art and Chassériau

The museum’s modern collections radiate out from the masterly work of Théodore Chassériau. His “Christ in the Garden of Olives”, deposited by the Fonds National d’Art Contemporain, illustrates the expressive power of this master of French Romanticism. The Salle des États généraux now houses these works in a fascinating dialogue between medieval architecture and contemporary creations.

The space dedicated to modern art offers a striking journey through the artistic mutations of the 20th century. From the vibrant canvases of Henri Martin to more recent abstract works, the tour reveals the passionate energy of artists who left their mark on their era. Natural light, filtering through the high windows of the former palace, sublimates these bold creations.

Théodore Chassériau - Une grâce équivoque

The garden an enchanted interlude

An exceptional formal garden

Let yourself be seduced by the perfect harmony of the parterres en mosaïculture, veritable plant lacework unfolding before your eyes. Two symmetrical areas, encircled by crenellated yew trees, perpetuate the art of French-style gardens with elegance.

The former central boulingrin, once dedicated to the game of boules, now offers a soothing lawn where the gaze rests. The floral arrangements, renewed with the seasons, create a changing spectacle that is particularly striking from the windows on the first floor of the museum.

Spaces for relaxation and contemplation

In the shade of the great hundred-year-old trees, discover a haven of peace where time suspends its flight. The stone benches, silent witnesses to history, invite you to take a meditative break in front of the flower beds. The murmur of the city fades away in this garden with its romantic overtones, bordered by the remains of the Gallo-Roman ramparts.

In the lower section, a more intimate space awaits you. Hackberry and lime trees create a refreshing natural canopy in summer, while contemporary sculptures punctuate your walk with artistic surprises. An atmosphere conducive to contemplation, where nature and culture merge in perfect harmony.

More info

Tours Val de Loire Convention and Visitors Bureau

What to do in Tours? For guided tours, tickets for sites to visit, as well as hotels and all other information, the tourist office of the Touraine Metropole is at your service