Musée des Beaux-Arts de Blois

The Musée des Beaux-Arts Blois occupies the first floor of the Louis XII wing in the Royal Castle of Blois, displaying over 300 artworks across multiple gallery rooms. The spaces are arranged by theme, with explanatory panels guiding visitors through different artistic periods and movements.

The museum was established in 1850 and opened to the public in 1869, while the building itself received historical monument status in 1840. Its location within the castle connects the art collection to the royal heritage of the site.

The collection spans from Renaissance to 19th century with paintings by masters like Ingres and Rubens, alongside French and Flemish tapestries that reflect the tastes and values of their time. These works show what people valued and how artists responded to the world around them.

A visit can typically be completed in a few hours since the eight gallery rooms are manageable and not overwhelming in scope. The location within the castle is easy to access and the spaces are well-lit with stairs and elevators available throughout.

The museum houses a remarkable collection of about 50 terracotta medallions by Jean-Baptiste Nini, featuring portraits from the 17th and 18th centuries. These small artworks are rare examples of the medallion form and demonstrate exceptional craftsmanship.