The Museum of Fine Arts

The Museum of Fine Arts

The Quimper audio-guided tour presents you with the Museum of Fine Arts, adjoining the town hall, one of the main ones in the west of France.

A museum born of a bequest

The museum has occupied, since 1872, a classical palace designed by Joseph Bigot, the architect of the spires of the Saint-Corentin cathedral. Its history began with a bequest from Count Jean-Marie de Silguy to his native city: owner of an important collection of some one thousand two hundred paintings, two thousand drawings and twelve thousand engravings, the Quimper native committed to giving everything in exchange for the construction of a place worthy of housing his works. Over the years, donations, purchases and deposits have enriched the collections, which today cover more than five centuries of regional and European artistic creation. The museum offers each year temporary exhibitions as well as numerous activities: workshops, lectures and guided tours.

What there is to see

The Museum of Fine Arts of Quimper unfolds a rich collection covering more than five centuries of regional and European art, in an elegant classical palace. Paintings, drawings and engravings dialogue there along the rooms, complemented by temporary exhibitions and activities. It is an essential stop for art lovers, in the heart of the city.

Practical information

The Museum of Fine Arts is next to the town hall, in the heart of Quimper. It can be visited according to hours to be checked on site; access to the collections is generally subject to a charge, the temporary exhibitions being so too.

How was the Museum of Fine Arts of Quimper born?

From a bequest of Count Jean-Marie de Silguy, who gave his collection to the city in exchange for the construction of a museum.

What do the museum's collections cover?

More than five centuries of regional and European artistic creation, through paintings, drawings and engravings.