The Fabre Museum | Montpellier Tourism

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An exceptional museum

A bit of History

The interior wall, entirely made of textured glass, lights up at night with more than 3,000 neon devices. This original glass facade is an important architectural element of the project. This pavilion is dedicated to works from the 20th century: Pierre Soulages, Simon Hantaï and the “Support-Surface group”.

A natural and coherent route allows you to cross the spaces of the Jesuit college dating from the 17th century, passing by the Fabre Museuminstalled in 1828 in the private mansion of Massillian. Then it underwent major transformations such as the spectacular Galerie des Griffons, restored to its original volume.

The visit continues through 19th century enlargements, in particular the Galerie des Colonnes built in 1875-1878 to house the Bruyas collection.

The collections

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The Fabre Museum of Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole tells the story of the European creation from the Renaissance to the present days by offering large collections that will amaze you.

The Fallen Angel by Alexandre Cabanel

In the Cabanel room, admire “L’Ange déchu”, a painting that is now famous on social networks.

View of the Village by Frédéric Bazille

Painted during a stay at the Domaine de Méric, this village view shows the River Lez and the village of Castelnau.

You will also discover an amazing set of Flemish and Dutch paintings from 17th century. The masterpieces from great European artists like Allori, Véronèse, Ribera, Bourdon, Coypel or Reynolds will also delight you.

Another highlight of the tour, the work of the museum’s founder, François-Xavier Fabre and his contemporaries such as David, Ingres… The modern and contemporary collections promise both wonders: from Delacroix to Géricault via Courbet who stayed in Montpellier up to the Support-Surface group, without forgetting Impressionism with Bazille, Staël, Van Dongen, Richier…

Pierre Soulages in Fabre Museum

The end of the tour holds an ultimate enchantment: the unique set of works by Pierre Soulages retracing the career of this demanding French painter, the best known in the world.

Did you know ?

“Fabre dans mon canapé“(Fabre in my sofa) is for all virtual visitors who cannot travel to Montpellier. A digital version of an “off-site” museum, this site offers you complete tours of the collections and exhibitions, but also stories, documentaries, educational materials, and even games and activities for the youngest.

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A good deal : free access with the City Card

With our 24h, 48h, 72h City Cards, enjoy free access to the Fabre Museum including the Hôtel Sabatier d’Espeyran: permanent collections, temporary exhibitions and individual guided tours. Reservation online or at the Tourist Office.

Your Ticket to AdventureMontpellier City Card

From 19€. Discounts and freebies. Save up to 60% with the 24 hr City Card!

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Focus on... THE MANSION CABRIÈRES - SABATIER D'ESPEYRAN

Good to know: The decorative arts department of the Hôtel de Cabrières-Sabatier d’Espeyran is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 2pm to 6pm for the “Jean Hugo, le regard magique” exhibition.

A true jewel of the decorative arts of the 18th and 19th centuries, this decorative department will dive you into a special atmosphere retracing the lifestyles of the aristocracy and upper middle class of the time.

The mansion thus unveils a collection of remarkable furniture and freshly restored decorations, consisting mainly of furniture and objects from the donation of Mrs. Renée de Cabrières and her husband Frédéric Sabatier d’Espeyran, in 1967.