Visit one of largest museums in France with its enormous collection of first-class art. The Palais des Beaux-Arts of Lille has been open for more than a century, displaying the second largest collection of works in France, coming second only to the Louvre. The museum houses an enormous collection of paintings, sculptures, drawings, antique pieces, art objects and relief plans. Across nine departments, it takes the visitor from antiquities to modern art in a fascinating journey through the aesthetic world. Located on Place de la République right in central Lille, this highly popular cultural center is visited by an average of 230,000 visitors per year. World class collection The Palais des Beaux-Arts in Lille, completed between 1885 and 1892, is typical of the architecture of the late 19th century. Fully renovated in 1997, the 22,000 square meter construction houses prestigious collections of European paintings from the likes of Rubens, Van Dyck, Goya and Delacroix, as well as examples of 19th century French painting, such as David's "Belisarius," Courbet's "L'après-dînée à Ornans," and Puvis de Chavannes' "The Slumber." There's also a large collection of drawings, such as the 40 sheets from Raphaël, a sculpture gallery featuring the work of Carpeaux, Rodin, Claudel and Bartholdi and 17th and 18th century ceramics. History enthusiasts will also be interested in the 3D relief maps of fifteen fortified towns in Northern France and Belgium, these 18th century models were actually used by French Kings during wars.
Interactive and accessible exhibits
The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that show contemporary art or retrospectives. Guided tours are available to give extra insight into the comprehensive collection on display. Every Sunday afternoon, the museum offers tours and hands-on workshops aimed at children, a fun way to discover the collections with the whole family. Download their mobile app "PBA Lille" (on Google Play or App Store) and get additional information about architecture and works throughout your journey around the museum. Touch tablets are distributed to children to aid their understanding of what's on display. The museum is highly accessible, from the building itself to the gardens and the parking lots. Sign language interpreting services are available on request. The museum opens every day of the week apart from Tuesdays and on certain public holidays. A trip to the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Lille is a highly impressive experience and a day out that the whole family can enjoy.
