Musée des Beaux-Arts et d'Archéologie de Besançon
Musée des Beaux-Arts et d'Archéologie de Besançon, Art museum in Besançon, France.
The Musée des Beaux-Arts et d'Archéologie de Besançon occupies a converted grain storage building in the city center and displays paintings, drawings, and archaeological objects across several levels. The spaces present a wide-ranging collection that covers both artistic and historical aspects equally.
The institution was founded in 1694 when Abbot Boisot donated his private collection to the city, making it considerably older than the Louvre. This early start established Besançon as one of France's first places where art collections became accessible to a wider audience.
The museum holds a major collection of European drawings spanning five centuries, displaying works by masters like Rembrandt and Matisse. These sheets reveal different artistic approaches and allow visitors to follow how drawing techniques evolved across time periods.
Visitors should be aware that the collections are open at different times depending on the day of the week, so it helps to check in advance. The building sits centrally and is easy to find, making it simple to include a visit when exploring the city.
The collection includes Egyptian mummies, among them the remains of Seramon and Ankhpakhered, which give visitors a glimpse into ancient Egypt. These specimens are displayed alongside artifacts from the Neolithic, Bronze, and Iron Ages, making the deep human past visible and tangible.
Location: Besançon
Inception: 1694
Official opening: 1694
Address: 1, place de la Révolution
Opening Hours: Monday,Wednesday-Friday 10:00-12:00,14:00-18:00
Phone: +33381878067
Website: http://mbaa.besancon.fr
GPS coordinates: 47.24028,6.02306
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:40
Besançon displays 2000 years of architectural history. The city is dominated by the Vauban Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site that overlooks the old town. In the center stand important buildings such as Saint-Jean Cathedral with its astronomical clock, Granvelle Palace with the Museum of Time, and numerous civil, religious, and military structures from the Middle Ages through the 19th century. Squares, parks, and the banks of the Doubs complement this architectural collection. Visitors to Besançon will find places from different periods and purposes. The Citadel offers views across the city, while the narrow streets of the old center invite you to walk through time. Churches like Saint-Pierre and Saint-Ferjeux show the city's religious past, while the Palace of Justice and other buildings reveal its civic history. Gates like the Porte Noire and towers such as Pelote Tower mark the city's boundaries and skyline. The city has other sides to explore. Parks like Micaud Park provide space for walking, and the banks of the Doubs with its canals offer places to pause and observe. Museums cover different aspects of local history, from art to resistance during difficult periods. Besançon is a place where you can wander and discover without feeling rushed.
Synagogue of Besançon
169 m
Battant bridge
199 m
Temple du Saint-Esprit
37 m
Grenier in Besançon
79 m
Hôtel Gauthiot d'Ancier
158 m
Hôtel du Bouteiller
93 m
Hôtel Chevanney
151 m
Le Building
219 m
Hôtel Buson d'Auxon
86 m
Fontaine des eaux d'Arcier
68 m
Maison, 7 quai Vauban
143 m
Maisons, 2, 4 quai Vauban
192 m
Maison, 15 quai Vauban
123 m
Maison, 23 quai Vauban
104 m
Maison, 3 quai Vauban
154 m
Maison, 6 quai Vauban
201 m
Maison, 25 quai Vauban
95 m
Maison, 21 quai Vauban
112 m
Maison, 17 quai Vauban
120 m
Maison, 9 quai Vauban
132 m
Maison, 5 quai Vauban
150 m
Maison, 13 quai Vauban
126 m
Maison, 11 quai Vauban
131 m
Hôpital du Saint-Esprit de Besançon
37 m
Maison, 14 rue Luc-Breton
102 m
Maison, 13 Grande rue
155 m
Maison, 11 place Charles-de-Gaulle
161 m
Maison, 29 quai Vauban
95 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
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