# Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon — Lyon, France

> Founded under Napoleon in 1801, the Musée des Beaux-Arts occupies the seventeenth-century Palais Saint-Pierre. Its galleries trace European art from antiquity to the twentieth century across more than seventy rooms.

## Visitor facts
- Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed Tuesdays)
- Admission: €8 standard admission
- Address: 20 Place des Terreaux, 69001 Lyon, France
- Time needed: 3–4 hours
- Official website: https://www.mba-lyon.fr/en
- Facts verified: 2026-06-30

## Highlights
- The Three Graces — Peter Paul Rubens · c. 1635
- The Wave — Gustave Courbet · 1870
- Coronation of the Virgin — Fra Angelico · c. 1435
- Picasso Ceramics — Pablo Picasso · 1940s–50s

## FAQ
**Is the cloister free to visit?**
Yes, the cloister garden can be enjoyed without a ticket during opening hours.

**How do I get there?**
The museum sits on Place des Terreaux, served by the Hôtel de Ville metro station.

**How long should I spend at Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon?**
Plan 2–3 hours for the highlights. Add time for temporary exhibitions, the museum shop, and café.

**What is Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon best known for?**
Founded under Napoleon in 1801, the Musée des Beaux-Arts occupies the seventeenth-century Palais Saint-Pierre. Its galleries trace European art from antiquity to the twentieth century across more than seventy rooms. Key highlights include Ascension of Christ by Perugino, Nave Nave Mahana by Gauguin, Cloister and sculpture garden.

**How do I get tickets for Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon?**
€8 standard admission Tickets are usually available on the day, but booking online saves queue time in peak season. Official site: https://www.mba-lyon.fr/en

**How does this compare to the Louvre?**
Lyon's museum is smaller but remarkably comprehensive, with fewer crowds and masterpieces by Rubens, Courbet, and Fra Angelico.

**Can I visit the same day as Vieux Lyon?**
Yes — the museum is a 10-minute walk from Vieux Lyon's Renaissance traboules and bouchons.


Source: https://worldmuseumguide.org/museums/musee-des-beaux-arts-de-lyon/ — World Museum Guide, independent and ad-free.