Aerial view of the city of Rheims showing urban landscape and buildings

Museum Of Fine Arts Of Reims

Museum of Fine Arts of Reims: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Complete Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Museum of Fine Arts of Reims (Musée des Beaux-Arts de Reims) is one of France’s premier cultural institutions, celebrated for its extensive European art collections and historic setting within the Abbey of Saint-Denis. Founded in 1794, the museum’s mission has always been to make art accessible to the public, and its holdings now encompass masterpieces from the Renaissance to the 20th century, including works by Rembrandt, Monet, Renoir, Picasso, and Lucas Cranach the Elder. While currently closed for a major renovation set for completion in 2026, the museum continues to engage audiences through temporary exhibitions and digital resources. This guide details the museum’s history, collections, practical visitor information, accessibility, and tips for exploring Reims’ broader cultural heritage.

For up-to-date information, visitors should consult the official Musées de Reims website and related cultural resources. (Touristplatform.com, Reims Tourism, Wikipedia)

Interior view of Saint-Germain-des-Prés chapel with rows of chairs and soft pink lighting

Sandy path in Fontainebleau forest painting

Historical image of collection rescue during World War I

Moving art collection from the Museum of Fine Arts of Reims during World War I fire at City Hall

Interior view of Galerie Henry Vasnier cimase with paintings hung on the wall and some resting on the floor, centered around a fireplace topped with a mirror reflecting the photographer. Sculptures and art objects are displayed on the fireplace mantle and on columns.

Interior view of Henry Vasnier Gallery room with paintings on walls and floor, sculptures on central table, bookshelves, and rugs on floor

Interior view of Galerie Henry Vasnier Rotonde No.1 with zenithal glass roof, paintings on the wall, two busts on pedestals and art objects on the floor

Two rows of paintings of various sizes displayed on easels in Galerie Henry Vasnier

Interior view of a gallery room at Galerie Henry Vasnier with paintings displayed on walls and visitors observing the art

Interior view of Galerie Vasnier room with skylight ceiling, walls covered with paintings, sculptures on pedestals, art objects in display cases, and rugs on the floor

Interior view of Rotunda No.1 at Galerie Vasnier showing artworks and busts under a glass ceiling

17th-century sanguine drawing of a monk reading a book, half-length, with focused gaze

Damage to the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Reims caused by German bombing during World War II

Historic town hall building with classic stone architecture in France

Painting showing the resurrection appearance of Christ to Mary Magdalene with Christ showing his wounds and angels guarding the tomb

Bust of an angel with melancholic expression, head tilted and hair falling on shoulders, hands holding lower face

Sculpture of a head with raised gaze, curly hair, flat nose, and full lips

Monumental bust sculpture Allegory of America with Native American head and feather headdress

Sculpture of Arlequin standing with legs apart wearing a mask and hat, face tilted to left, arms crossed on chest holding a stick

Sculpture of a person with lifted head, fine features, slanted eyes, hair pulled back with ribbons

Nude Arab woman wearing babouches standing at the threshold of a Moorish house, lifting a curtain with her right hand, surrounded by geometric, interlace, and stylized floral bas-relief decoration

Sculpture bust of a person with an oval face and abundant hair tied with a ribbon

Sculpture bust of a man with slightly tilted head, prominent nose, mustache and small beard in Second Empire style, laurel leaves at base

Bronze statue of a fallen clergyman lying face down, wearing a cassock, mortally wounded

Bust of a woman with an elongated face, heavy eyelids, prominent cheekbones, and pursed lips, wearing a large mourning veil

Bust portrait of a man with elongated face, prominent forehead, flat hair, mustache, and goatee

Nude woman sitting with eyes half-open, stretching with head tilted back and arms raised and bent

Nude elderly woman leaning against a tree, head bowed, curled up with crossed arms and legs, birds flying on the right

Monumental bust allegory of America with a Native American head wearing a feathered headdress

Nude woman lying on wheat sheaves viewed from behind with haystacks in the distance

Young woman lying on wheat sheaves with legs folded and face buried in hands

Sculpture of young Dante sitting on a pyramid-shaped stool with trilobed and vegetal motifs, holding a book and looking upwards

Young nude girl standing holding a vine branch in her left hand, right arm brushing her hair, slender, standing on a vine stock with a visible grape cluster, on a tall square-based pedestal with snail decorations at the corners, octagonal section decorated with low-relief vine leaves, coat of arms of Reims on the main face, flared upper part from which four birds with outstretched wings carrying a grape in their beaks emerge, highlighted by an ivy branch.

Historical Overview
- Foundation and Early Growth
- Move to the Abbey of Saint-Denis
Collection Highlights
Visiting Hours
Ticket Prices and Admission
Accessibility and Visitor Services
Guided Tours and Educational Programs
Renovation and Modernization
Getting There and Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visual and Digital Resources
Conclusion and Travel Tips
References

Historical Overview

Foundation and Early Growth

The Museum of Fine Arts of Reims was founded in 1794 during the French Revolution, utilizing artworks seized from regional churches and noble estates to create a public collection. State deposits, gifts, and local acquisitions expanded the collection throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. (Touristplatform.com)

Move to the Abbey of Saint-Denis

Originally housed in the town hall, the museum relocated in 1913 to the historic Abbey of Saint-Denis, a site with origins in the 9th century. This move, influenced by substantial bequests such as that of Henry Vasnier, gave the museum a prestigious and spacious home. The abbey itself has served many historic roles, including as a seminary and a headquarters for the French Directory. The museum’s reopening at this site was inaugurated by President Raymond Poincaré. (Spotting History)

Collection Highlights

Renaissance to Modern Art

The museum’s collection spans five centuries and is organized both chronologically and thematically. Key holdings include:

Flemish, Dutch, and Italian masters from the 16th–17th centuries
French Baroque paintings by Charles Le Brun and Simon Vouet
18th-century Rococo and Neoclassicism, with works by Greuze, Boucher, and David
19th-century Romanticism and Impressionism, featuring Delacroix, Corot, Monet, Renoir, and Gauguin
20th-century Modernism, including Redon, Vlaminck, Derain, Picasso, Gleizes, Metzinger, and Dufy
Lucas Cranach the Elder: 13 rare watercolor portraits displayed on rotation

Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Highlights include sculptures by Carpeaux and Rodin, medieval religious statuary, and period rooms furnished with 18th-century French furniture, Sèvres and Meissen porcelain, and Gobelins and Beauvais tapestries.

Works on Paper

The museum holds more than 5,000 drawings and prints, with pieces by Dürer, Rembrandt, Goya, and others.

(Official Museum Collection)

Visiting Hours

The Museum of Fine Arts of Reims is currently closed for renovations and is expected to reopen in 2026. Usual hours (subject to update upon reopening):

Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Closed: Mondays and certain public holidays

Please verify the latest hours on the official website.

Ticket Prices and Admission

Upon reopening, anticipated admission fees are:

General Admission: €5.50–8.00 (exact rate to be confirmed)
Reduced Admission: €3.30–5.00 (for students, seniors, groups)
Free Entry: Under 18s, EU residents under 26, visitors with disabilities and their carers, ICOM/press cardholders, and on the first Sunday of each month
Museum Pass: €21 for unlimited entry to five city museums

Purchase tickets onsite or, after reopening, online for convenience. (Tickets Info)

Accessibility and Visitor Services

The renovated museum will offer:

Wheelchair-accessible entrances and elevators
Accessible restrooms
Audio guides and tactile exhibits
Multilingual signage and guides
Family-friendly workshops and educational activities
Cloakroom, lockers, shop, and café (to be confirmed)

Contact the museum for specific needs before visiting.

Guided Tours and Educational Programs

Guided tours in multiple languages and educational workshops for children and adults are available, especially during school holidays and special exhibitions. Advance booking is recommended for groups. (Reims Events Calendar)

Renovation and Modernization

Closed since 2019, the museum’s €45.3 million renovation is led by the Aires Mateus architectural agency. The project will expand the exhibition area to 5,500 m², improve accessibility, and enhance visitor amenities. During closure, temporary exhibitions featuring highlights from the collection are held at alternative venues, and virtual tours are available. (Wikipedia)

Getting There and Nearby Attractions

Address: 8 Rue Chanzy, 51100 Reims, France
Transport: Easily reached by bus (lines 1, 3, 5, 8, 30, 40 to Royale), tram (A or B to Langlet), and CityBus (Forum stop). Parking is available nearby. (Simply France)
Nearby: Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral, Palais du Tau, Saint-Remi Basilica, Champagne houses, and city center shops and restaurants

(Reims Heritage)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the Museum of Fine Arts of Reims open now?
As of June 2025, the museum is closed for renovations and will reopen in 2026. Temporary exhibitions are held at alternative venues.

What are typical visiting hours?
Expected hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, closed Mondays and major holidays.

How much do tickets cost?
Standard admission is €5.50–8.00, with concessions and free entry for eligible groups.

Is the museum accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, the new design includes full accessibility, adapted restrooms, and elevators.

Are guided tours available?
Yes, tours and educational programs are offered in several languages.

Can I take photos inside?
Photography without flash is generally permitted, but some exhibitions may have restrictions.

Visual and Digital Resources

Explore virtual tours, high-quality images, and digital guides on the official museum website. All images are provided with alt text for accessibility.

Conclusion and Travel Tips

The Museum of Fine Arts of Reims is a cornerstone of European art and a highlight of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage ensemble. Its diverse collections, historic setting, and educational offerings make it a must-visit for art lovers and cultural explorers. Stay informed about reopening and future events by visiting the official website. Combine your museum experience with nearby attractions like Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral and Champagne tastings for a rich, unforgettable visit to Reims.

Download the Audiala app for curated art guides, and follow us for updates on Reims’ cultural scene. Start planning your cultural journey now—immerse yourself in centuries of artistic excellence at the Museum of Fine Arts of Reims.

References

Museum of Fine Arts of Reims: Visiting Hours, Tickets & Historical Insights, 2025, Touristplatform.com (Touristplatform.com)
Museum of Fine Arts of Reims: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Highlights, 2025, Spotting History (Spotting History)
Museum of Fine Arts of Reims: A Comprehensive Guide to the Collection, Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Nearby Attractions, 2025, Official Museum Site (Official Museum Site)
Museum of Fine Arts of Reims Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Reims Historical Sites, 2025, Musées de Reims (Musées de Reims)
Museum of Fine Arts of Reims, 2025, Wikipedia (Wikipedia)
Museum of Fine Arts of Reims, 2025, France Voyage (France Voyage)