Montpellier

🎨

Art and Museums

Sections

1. Musée Fabre

Category: Fine Arts (Classical to Contemporary)
Overview:
The Musée Fabre is Montpellier's most renowned art museum, founded in 1825 by local painter François-Xavier Fabre. It houses an impressive collection of European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts spanning the 14th to the 21st centuries. Highlights include works by Delacroix, Courbet, Rubens, and Soulages.

  • Address: 39 Boulevard Bonne Nouvelle, 34000 Montpellier
  • Entry Costs:
    • Full price: €9
    • Reduced price: €7 (students, seniors, etc.)
    • Free for children under 6 and on the first Sunday of each month.
  • Opening Hours:
    • Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
    • Closed on Mondays and public holidays.
  • Special Features:
    • Free-Entry Days: The first Sunday of every month.
    • Guided Tours: Available in French and English for an additional fee (around €3–€5).
    • Special Exhibitions: The museum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions. Check their website for current events.
  • Tips:
    • Allocate at least 2–3 hours to explore the museum fully.
    • The museum is located near the Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle, a lovely park where you can relax after your visit.

2. Pavillon Populaire

Category: Photography and Contemporary Art
Overview:
This cultural space is dedicated to photography and contemporary visual arts. It regularly hosts temporary exhibitions featuring both French and international photographers. Admission is free, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts on a budget.

  • Address: Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle, 34000 Montpellier
  • Entry Costs: Free
  • Opening Hours:
    • Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
    • Closed on Mondays and public holidays.
  • Special Features:
    • Current Exhibitions: Check the official website or local listings for updates on ongoing exhibitions.
    • Guided Tours: Occasionally offered during special exhibitions.
  • Tips:
    • Combine your visit with a stroll through the Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle.
    • Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the high-quality curation of exhibits.

3. MO.CO. (Montpellier Contemporain)

Category: Contemporary Art
Overview:
MO.CO. is a contemporary art ecosystem in Montpellier, consisting of two main sites:

  • MO.CO. Hôtel des Collections: A space for curated exhibitions of private and public art collections.

  • La Panacée: A contemporary art center focusing on emerging artists and experimental works.

  • Addresses:

    • MO.CO. Hôtel des Collections: 13 Rue de la République, 34000 Montpellier
    • La Panacée: 14 Rue de l'École de Pharmacie, 34000 Montpellier

  • Entry Costs:

    • Hôtel des Collections: €8 (full price), €5 (reduced price), free for children under 6.
    • La Panacée: Free entry.

  • Opening Hours:

    • Hôtel des Collections: Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
    • La Panacée: Tuesday to Sunday, 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
    • Both are closed on Mondays.

  • Special Features:

    • Free-Entry Days: La Panacée is always free.
    • Guided Tours: Available for groups upon request.
    • Special Exhibitions: Both venues host rotating exhibitions. Check their website for details.

  • Tips:

    • La Panacée has a trendy café where you can enjoy a meal or coffee after your visit.
    • MO.CO. often collaborates with international artists, so expect cutting-edge exhibitions.

4. Musée Atger

Category: Drawings and Prints
Overview:
Located within the Faculty of Medicine, the Musée Atger is one of the oldest museums in Montpellier. It specializes in 16th- to 18th-century drawings and prints, with works by masters such as Rembrandt and Watteau.

  • Address: 2 Rue de l'École de Médecine, 34000 Montpellier
  • Entry Costs: Free
  • Opening Hours:
    • Monday to Friday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
    • Closed on weekends and public holidays.
  • Special Features:
    • Guided Tours: Available upon request.
    • Historical Setting: The museum is housed in a historic building, adding to its charm.
  • Tips:
    • Combine your visit with a tour of the Faculty of Medicine, one of the oldest in Europe.
    • The museum is small, so a visit will take about 30–45 minutes.

5. Musée de l’Histoire de Montpellier (Montpellier History Museum)

Category: Local History and Archaeology
Overview:
This museum, located in the crypt of the 14th-century church of Notre-Dame-des-Tables, offers a fascinating look at Montpellier's history through archaeological artifacts and multimedia displays.

  • Address: Place Jean Jaurès, 34000 Montpellier
  • Entry Costs:
    • Full price: €3
    • Reduced price: €2
  • Opening Hours:
    • Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
    • Closed on Mondays.
  • Special Features:
    • Multimedia Displays: Interactive exhibits make the history of Montpellier come alive.
    • Free-Entry Days: Check with the museum for occasional free-entry days.
  • Tips:
    • This museum is ideal for history buffs and those interested in the city's medieval past.
    • It’s a smaller museum, so plan for about 1–1.5 hours.

6. Musée du Vieux Montpellier

Category: Local History
Overview:
Housed in the Hôtel de Varennes, this museum focuses on Montpellier's history from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. It features artifacts, maps, and historical documents.

  • Address: 2 Rue de l'Aiguillerie, 34000 Montpellier
  • Entry Costs: Free
  • Opening Hours:
    • Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM
    • Closed on Mondays.
  • Special Features:
    • Free Entry: Always free to visit.
    • Historical Setting: The building itself is a historical landmark.
  • Tips:
    • Pair your visit with a walk through Montpellier’s historic center.
    • The museum is small, so it’s a quick stop for history enthusiasts.

Local Considerations and Tips for Visiting Museums in Montpellier

  1. Language: Most museums provide information in French, but many also offer English translations or audio guides. Check in advance if you need language support.
  2. Free-Entry Days: Many museums in Montpellier offer free entry on the first Sunday of each month, so plan your visits accordingly.
  3. Cultural Etiquette:
    • Speak quietly in museums to respect other visitors.
    • Photography may be restricted in some areas, so always check for signs or ask staff.
  4. Booking in Advance: For special exhibitions or guided tours, it’s a good idea to book tickets online in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
  5. Public Transport: Most museums are located in or near the city center and are easily accessible by tram or on foot. Use the TAM (Transports de l'Agglomération de Montpellier) network for convenient travel.

Montpellier’s art and museum scene offers something for everyone, from classical art lovers to fans of contemporary and experimental works. Enjoy your cultural exploration!