The foundations of this museum date back to the 6th century, when the walls that now encompass priceless art surrounded an ancient abbey. It wasn't until September 20, 1814, however, that the site was inaugurated as a true museum of fine art by the Count of Artois. Over the last 200 years, the museum has developed into one of the largest in Europe, housing over 8,000 antiquities, 3,000 decorative objects, 40,000 coins and medals, 2,500 paintings, and 1,300 sculptures. The vast collection is exhibited in over 70 rooms to offer visitors an outstanding and varied sampling of art from antiquity to contemporary that reignites the enthusiasm for artistic discovery.
Musee des Beaux-Arts de Lyon, 20 Place des Terreau, 69001 Lyon, France, Phone: +33 (0) 4 72 10 30 30, Map