Musée des Beaux-Arts Chartres
Art and history within a stunning former episcopal palace, featuring diverse collections and antique harpsichords.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Free admission!
Musée des Beaux-Arts Chartres
Best Time
Free admission!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Art and history within a stunning former episcopal palace, featuring diverse collections and antique harpsichords.
"A small but perfectly formed museum in a beautiful building, a must-visit for art and architecture lovers."
🎯 Free First Sundays
Enjoy free admission on the first Sunday of the month! A great way to experience the art and architecture without the cost.
🏛️ Adjacent to Cathedral
Perfectly paired with a visit to Chartres Cathedral. Explore both in one outing!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Former Episcopal Palace Architecture
The entire building
Explore the stunning architecture of this former episcopal palace, featuring an impressive entrance hall and grand staircase.
Léon Mathieu Cochereau Studio
Reconstructed studio
Step into the reconstructed studio of painter Léon Mathieu Cochereau and try your hand at replicating his self-portraits.
Antique Harpsichords
Musical instrument collection
Discover a collection of antique harpsichords, showcasing the museum's diverse artistic offerings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Combine with Cathedral Visit
Accessibility Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free First Sundays
Enjoy free admission on the first Sunday of the month! A great way to experience the art and architecture without the cost.
🏛️ Adjacent to Cathedral
Perfectly paired with a visit to Chartres Cathedral. Explore both in one outing!
🖼️ Diverse Collections
See classic and modern art, plus unique antique harpsichords. Something for every art lover!
♿ Check Accessibility
Some visitors note accessibility challenges. Inquire about specific needs beforehand.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free First Sundays
Enjoy free admission on the first Sunday of the month! A great way to experience the art and architecture without the cost.
🏛️ Adjacent to Cathedral
Perfectly paired with a visit to Chartres Cathedral. Explore both in one outing!
🖼️ Diverse Collections
See classic and modern art, plus unique antique harpsichords. Something for every art lover!
♿ Check Accessibility
Some visitors note accessibility challenges. Inquire about specific needs beforehand.
⏳ Pleasant Hour Visit
A visit typically takes about an hour, making it a perfect addition to your Chartres itinerary.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise the Musée des Beaux-Arts Chartres for its beautiful architecture and its convenient location next to the cathedral. The collection, though not vast, is considered interesting, with highlights like antique harpsichords and a reconstructed artist's studio. However, some reviewers note that the building's historical nature can present accessibility challenges, and a few feel the art selection is limited.
"Wonderful building, small but perfectly formed. At the same time as our visit there was an orchestra....a must visit for lovers of art and architecture!"
Ode to the west wind
"Small museum with very few paintings that worth to see. Building is nice but in pour condition. Art lovers can skip it, better spend more time in cathedral than is really a gem."
Sergey Kvyatkovskiy
"Good small museum in the backyard of the cathedral, free visit with religious and local arts."
GentilDanseur GOOGLE
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Musée des Beaux-Arts Chartres is easily accessible by train from Paris. Take a train from Paris Montparnasse to Chartres station, which takes about an hour. From the station, the museum is a short walk, especially convenient if you're already planning to visit the Chartres Cathedral, as they are located right next to each other.
While the museum is best reached by public transport or on foot if you're already in Chartres, there are parking options available in the vicinity of the cathedral and the city center. Consider parking garages like the 'Cathédrale' or 'Hôtel de Ville' for convenience.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk from Chartres train station to the museum. It takes approximately 15-20 minutes, and you'll pass through charming parts of the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum's opening hours can vary, but it's generally open during the day, often closing around 5 or 6 PM. It's always a good idea to check the official website or recent social media posts for the most up-to-date information, especially regarding seasonal changes or special events.
There is an admission fee, but it's considered very reasonable. Keep an eye out for special free admission days, such as the first Sunday of the month, which is a popular time to visit.
For general visits, booking tickets in advance is usually not necessary. However, if you are visiting during a special exhibition or a free admission day, it might be wise to arrive early to avoid potential queues.
Yes, the museum offers free admission on the first Sunday of each month.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The museum houses a diverse collection, including classic and modern art, as well as historical objects and antique harpsichords. You can also explore the reconstructed studio of painter Léon Mathieu Cochereau.
Most visitors find that a visit to the Musée des Beaux-Arts Chartres takes about an hour. It's a 'small but perfectly formed' museum, ideal for a focused art experience.
The museum offers a glimpse into art and history that can be engaging for older children. The reconstructed studio might spark their imagination. However, it's a quiet environment, so it's best suited for children who can appreciate a more contemplative experience.
While not always explicitly advertised, special exhibitions or events might include guided tours. It's worth checking the museum's schedule or inquiring at the information desk upon arrival.
The museum is housed in a beautifully preserved former episcopal palace. Visitors often praise its impressive entrance hall, grand staircase, and elegant reception rooms and chapel.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally permitted in the museum, but it's always best to check for any specific restrictions, especially in areas with delicate artworks or during temporary exhibitions. Flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the art.
The impressive architecture, particularly the grand staircase and entrance hall, makes for stunning photographs. The reconstructed artist's studio also offers unique visual opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the visit more engaging for younger visitors, consider focusing on specific pieces or the architectural elements. Discussing the antique harpsichords or the grand staircase can turn the visit into a treasure hunt. It's best suited for families with children who can appreciate a quieter, more contemplative museum experience rather than one with high-energy activities.
🏛️ Art & Architecture Enthusiasts
Don't miss the opportunity to explore the reconstructed studio of Léon Mathieu Cochereau, offering a unique insight into an artist's workspace. The presence of antique harpsichords adds another layer of interest, showcasing the museum's dedication to preserving various art forms. It's a compact yet rich experience that art and architecture aficionados will find rewarding.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art Collections
One of the unique aspects highlighted by visitors is the presence of antique harpsichords, showcasing the museum's commitment to preserving and displaying diverse forms of art. The collection is thoughtfully displayed within the elegant rooms of the former episcopal palace, allowing visitors to appreciate the art in a historically rich setting.
Beyond the permanent collections, the museum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions. These can range from retrospectives of specific artists, like Léon Mathieu Cochereau, to thematic displays that explore particular aspects of art or history. These exhibitions often draw from both the museum's own holdings and external loans, offering fresh perspectives and reasons for repeat visits.
Architectural Splendor
Visitors often comment on the beautifully preserved building, noting its historical charm and the way the art is integrated within these stately rooms. The reception rooms and chapel within the palace also offer a glimpse into the past, adding layers of historical context to the visit. This blend of art and architecture creates a unique and memorable experience for those who appreciate both.
While the building's historical grandeur is a major plus, it's important to note that some older structures can present accessibility challenges. While the main areas are often navigable, those with mobility issues might find certain parts of the palace less accessible. It's advisable to inquire about specific accessibility features if this is a concern.
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