Visiting Angers? We recommend a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts. Join us as we explore the superb collections housed here. An exceptional architectural ensemble, the museum is also worth a visit for its 15th-century townhouse and its courtyard, which is dotted with installations by famous artists.
Here are our useful tips for planning your visit to the Musée des Beaux-Arts in the Loire Valley city of Angers.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts in Angers worthwhile?
Yes, absolutely! Thanks to 2 routes, history and fine arts, we discoveredAngers ' past as well as superb works of art in a magnificent Gothic building. On the first floor, travel back in time to understand the city through hundreds of archaeological and historical objects. The site's other 3 floors reveal over 300 paintings and sculptures, including an exceptional series of 18th-century paintings. We also recommend a visit to the courtyard for its colorful art installations.
It's one of the best things to do in Angers, and one of its finest museums.
What you can see
The courtyard and its colorful installations
As soon as we arrived, we were captivated by Niki de Saint-Phalle's colorful, curved sculpture that graces the courtyard. Take the time to tour the Snake Tree!
A former Gothic-style dwelling
Throughout your visit, we advise you to pay close attention to the architecture of the site. The museum is housed in a former Gothic-style dwelling. Fireplaces, vaults and stone ornaments embellish the route!
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Loire
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars - one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a fairly compact car (many villages have narrowed the road).
- Think aboutfull insurance (parking in big cities is really tight).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Temporary exhibitions
The museum hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year. We saw drawings by local artist Jules-Eugène Lenepveu and abstract paintings by a Hungarian artist.
A journey through the region's history
On the first floor, we travelled through the history of Angers from the Neolithic to the 20th century, observing objects from excavations, portraits and old everyday accessories.
Works of art from the Middle Ages to the 17th century
The 1st floor is devoted to a long artistic period, from the Middle Ages to the 17th century. In particular, we admired Italian religious paintings.
Superb 18th-century paintings
The highlight of the show is the superb collection of 18th-century paintings. You can contemplate paintings by the famous Watteau, Boucher and Fragonard.
A fine 19th-century collection
Further on, a series of 19th-century paintings and sculptures are unveiled. We also appreciated this academic art, especially the large-format sculptures.
Modern and contemporary art
Our visit ended with a group of works from the 20th and 21st centuries. Giacometti, geometric abstraction or Ben on the program.
An art bookshop
Stop by the bookshop. We found an interesting selection of art books.
WHERE TO STAY IN Angers
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Downtown, to enjoy the city, its restaurants and beautiful architecture.
Hôtel L'Oisellerie - see photos and availability
Hotel 21, Foch - prices, pictures and availability
In the surrounding countryside, for greater peace and quiet
Hotel Château des Forges - see photos and availability
Museum of Fine Arts in Angers : access
Where to find the museum
- In downtown Angers
- 10-minute walk from the train station
- 10min walk from Château d'Angers
Here is a map to help you find your way:
Access by car and parking
The museum does not have its own parking lot. But you can park in the adjacent streets. Please note that parking in the city center is not free. At weekends and in summer, places are also scarcer.
As the hourly rate is relatively expensive, you can opt for one of the city's parking lots. The Ralliement parking lot is 200 meters from the site. The first hour is free! This is also the case in 8 other downtown underground parking lots (Bressigny, Haras, Larrey, Leclerc, Mail, Mitterrand, Molière, République). For more information, visit the official Angers website here.
For free parking, visit the La Rochefoucaud parking lot, which offers 1,200 free spaces. It's a 15-minute walk from the museum across the river.
Public transport access
The museum is accessible:
- By bus: Sainte-Croix or Foch-Saint-Aubin stops (lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 6E, 9, 10, 11 or 14).
- By streetcar: Foch-Maison bleue stop (line A), direction Avrillé-Ardennes.
To plan your itinerary, we recommend you visit the official Angers public transport website here.
Visiting difficulties
There are stairs and elevators. We haven't encountered any particular difficulties.
The official website states that the museum is fully accessible to PRMs.
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities
Useful tips for visiting the Museum of Fine Arts
Schedules and prices
- Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-6pm, closed May 1st, November 1st and 11th, December 25th and January 1st.
- Full price €6 and half-price €3.
See the latest news on the official website here.
How long
Allow between 1h30 and 2 hours for the visit. The museum is vast and full of surprises!
Best moment
In summer, the site is even more popular. If you decide to visit the city and the museum at this time of year, choose the mornings for a more exclusive tour. In winter, there will be fewer visitors. In fact, why not take advantage of the low season? Discover all there is to do in Angers in winter!
Direction of visit
The museum entrance is on Place Saint-Eloi. From here, you'll arrive in the central courtyard, where you can admire Niki de Saint-Phalle'sSnake Tree. On the first floor, we crossed the centuries and discovered the history of the region from Neolithic times to the present day. One room is also dedicated to a temporary exhibition. Then go upstairs. On the 1st floor, you'll be immersed in the art of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. On the 2nd floor, we enjoyed art from the 18th and 19th centuries. Finally, back on the 1st level, contemplate works of modern and contemporary art. Why not round off your visit with a tour of the buildings and admire the museum's Gothic architecture?
Visiting with children
The museum offers tours suitable for children aged 2 and over, as well as workshops and a wide range of activities that change with the seasons. Find out more about the family program on the official website here.
Eating out
It's right in the center of town, and Angers is full of restaurants! Discover our mouth-watering selection.
Hotels
You're right in the heart of Angers, home to a myriad of hotels. Here are some of our recommendations:
- Choose to live a unique experience at Hôtel L'Oisellerie, a veritable showcase of Renaissance architecture! Availability and further information here.
- A few steps away, the Hôtel d'Anjou will captivate you with its luxury. Take advantage of our swimming pool and spa for a moment of relaxation between two visits! Reserve your room now.
More accommodation ideas here.
DISCOVER Angers
- Things to do in Angers
- Where to sleep in Angers: best hotels
- Where to eat in Angers: best restaurants
- Rent a car in Angers
- Visit the Château d'Angers
- Visit the Museum of Fine Arts in Angers - coming soon
- Château de Brissac
- Terra Botanica
- Best castles around Angers
- Most beautiful villages around Angers
HE MADE THE TRIP Manu
