Garden of the Fine Arts Museum

The garden of the Fine Arts museum

A green stop on the Tours audio-guided tour, the fine garden of the Fine Arts museum is set in the former episcopal palace of the city. A refined pause at the foot of the cathedral.

A former palace of the bishops

The bishops lived near the cathedral, in a palace whose origins date back to the fourth century. Transformed during the building of the cathedral, enlarged several times, the building passed into public ownership at the Revolution. It was in turn theatre, school and library, before becoming the depository of seized works, then, in 1910, the Fine Arts museum.

What to see

In its cellars hides an inscription carved in honour of the Turones of ancient Caesarodunum. Listed as a historic monument, the museum holds collections among the richest in France, with works by Rubens, Rembrandt, Delacroix, Degas and Monet. The garden, close to the English style at its far end, mixes varied species such as hackberries and mulberries.

Practical information

The Fine Arts museum and its garden are at the foot of the cathedral, in the former palace of the archbishops. Opening days and times, like prices, should be checked depending on the season with the museum.

What was the museum building before ?

It is the former episcopal palace of Tours, whose origins date back to the fourth century.

What works are kept there ?

The museum displays very rich collections, with works by Rubens, Rembrandt, Delacroix, Degas and Monet.