Montpellier

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Museums and Galleries

Sections

1. Musée Fabre

Category: Fine Arts Museum
Overview: The Musée Fabre is one of the most prestigious art museums in France, renowned for its extensive collection of European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts spanning from the Renaissance to contemporary periods.

  • Notable Exhibits:

    • Works by French masters such as Gustave Courbet, Eugène Delacroix, and François-Xavier Fabre (the museum’s founder).
    • A significant collection of Dutch and Flemish paintings, including works by Rubens and Brueghel.
    • Contemporary art exhibits, including works by Pierre Soulages, a celebrated French abstract artist.

  • Entry Costs:

    • General Admission: €9
    • Reduced Rate: €7 (students, seniors, etc.)
    • Free Entry: First Sunday of every month and for visitors under 26 (EU residents).

  • Ticketing Procedures:

    • Tickets can be purchased online via the museum’s official website or at the entrance.
    • Combination tickets are available for access to temporary exhibitions and the permanent collection.

  • Opening Hours:

    • Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
    • Closed on Mondays and public holidays.

  • Local Tips:

    • Plan your visit on the first Sunday of the month for free entry.
    • The museum is located near the Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle, a lovely area for a post-visit stroll or coffee break.

2. Pavillon Populaire

Category: Photography and Contemporary Art
Overview: This gallery is dedicated to photography and contemporary visual arts, hosting temporary exhibitions that showcase both historical and modern works.

  • Notable Exhibits:

    • Rotating exhibitions featuring renowned photographers and emerging talents.
    • Past exhibitions have included works by Robert Doisneau and Vivian Maier.

  • Entry Costs:

    • Free entry for all visitors.

  • Ticketing Procedures:

    • No ticket is required; simply walk in during opening hours.

  • Opening Hours:

    • Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
    • Closed on Mondays and public holidays.

  • Local Tips:

    • Check the official website or local listings for current exhibitions.
    • Combine your visit with a walk around the Place de la Comédie, Montpellier’s central square.

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 and MO.CO. Panacée. It focuses on showcasing cutting-edge contemporary art from around the world.

  • Notable Exhibits:

    • Hôtel des Collections: Rotating exhibitions featuring private art collections from around the globe.
    • Panacée: Experimental and avant-garde art exhibitions.

  • Entry Costs:

    • Hôtel des Collections: €8 (general), €5 (reduced), free for under 18s and students.
    • Panacée: Free entry.

  • Ticketing Procedures:

    • Tickets for Hôtel des Collections can be purchased online or at the entrance.
    • Panacée does not require tickets.

  • Opening Hours:

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

  • Local Tips:

    • MO.CO. Panacée has a trendy café where you can relax after exploring the exhibits.
    • Look out for special events, such as artist talks and workshops.

4. Musée Atger

Category: Drawings and Prints
Overview: Located within the Faculty of Medicine, this small but charming museum houses a collection of drawings and prints from the 16th to 18th centuries.

  • Notable Exhibits:

    • Works by masters such as Rembrandt, Watteau, and Boucher.
    • A focus on French and Italian drawings.

  • Entry Costs:

    • Free entry for all visitors.

  • Ticketing Procedures:

    • No ticket is required; access is granted during opening hours.

  • Opening Hours:

    • Monday to Friday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
    • Closed on weekends and public holidays.

  • Local Tips:

    • The museum is located in a historic building, so take time to appreciate the architecture.
    • Combine your visit with a tour of the Faculty of Medicine, one of the oldest in Europe.

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

Category: History and Heritage
Overview: This museum, located in the crypt of the 12th-century Notre-Dame-des-Tables Church, offers a fascinating look at Montpellier’s history through multimedia exhibits.

  • Notable Exhibits:

    • Artifacts and displays tracing Montpellier’s development from the Middle Ages to the present.
    • Interactive exhibits that bring the city’s history to life.

  • Entry Costs:

    • General Admission: €5
    • Reduced Rate: €3
    • Free for children under 6.

  • Ticketing Procedures:

    • Tickets can be purchased at the entrance.

  • Opening Hours:

    • Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
    • Closed on Mondays and public holidays.

  • Local Tips:

    • The museum is small and can be visited in about an hour, making it a great stop during a day of sightseeing.
    • It’s located near the historic Écusson district, perfect for exploring Montpellier’s medieval streets.

6. Musée du Vieux Montpellier

Category: Local History
Overview: Housed in the Hôtel de Varennes, this museum focuses on the history and heritage of Montpellier, with exhibits on its architecture, culture, and notable figures.

  • Notable Exhibits:

    • Artifacts from Montpellier’s medieval and Renaissance periods.
    • Historical maps, documents, and portraits.

  • Entry Costs:

    • Free entry for all visitors.

  • Ticketing Procedures:

    • No ticket is required; access is granted during opening hours.

  • Opening Hours:

    • Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM.
    • Closed on Mondays and public holidays.

  • Local Tips:

    • The museum is small but packed with interesting details about Montpellier’s past.
    • Combine your visit with a walk through the nearby Place de la Canourgue, one of the city’s prettiest squares.

General Tips for Visiting Museums and Galleries in Montpellier

  1. Language: Most museums provide information in both French and English, but guided tours may primarily be in French. Check in advance if English tours are available.
  2. Discounts: Many museums offer reduced rates for students, seniors, and large groups. Bring valid ID to qualify.
  3. Free Entry Days: Take advantage of free entry on the first Sunday of the month for many museums.
  4. Accessibility: Most major museums are wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to check specific details on their websites.
  5. Shopping and Souvenirs: Many museums have gift shops where you can purchase art books, prints, and unique souvenirs.
  6. Nearby Entertainment: Montpellier’s museums are often located near lively areas with cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it easy to combine cultural visits with leisure activities.

Montpellier’s museums and galleries offer a rich blend of history, art, and contemporary culture, making them a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the city’s vibrant cultural scene. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or a history buff, there’s something for everyone!