Musée de l'Art Sacré de Dijon
- Location
- Permanent Collection Highlights
- Temporary Exhibitions
- Other Museum Highlights
- Things to See Outside the Museum
- Services Offered
- Accessibility
- Tips for Visiting
- Best time to visit
- How much time to spend
- Dress code
- Photography and Videography
- Shopping
- Events and Activities
- Insider Tips
Location
The Musée de l'Art Sacré de Dijon is conveniently situated in the heart of the city, at 17 Rue du Chancelier de L'Hospital, within the historic premises of the Chartreuse de Champmol, a former Carthusian monastery that was meticulously built between 1383 and 1388 by Philip the Bold and his wife Margaret of Flanders. While admiring this captivating museum, visitors can take advantage of the Chartreuse's central location, which is easily accessible on foot from the city's main attractions.
Reaching the museum is a breeze, whether you're strolling through the charming streets or utilizing public transportation. Just hop on bus line 11 or 23 and alight at the Champmol stop, a mere stone's throw from the museum's entrance. If you're arriving by car, there are several convenient parking options available nearby. You can opt for the Parc des Argentières or the Place du Souvenir Français car parks, both of which offer ample spaces for a worry-free visit.
Permanent Collection Highlights
The Musée de l'Art Sacré de Dijon proudly houses an exceptional permanent collection that spans various artistic periods, showcasing a diverse array of medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, and 19th-century masterpieces.
Medieval and Renaissance Art
The museum's collection of medieval and Renaissance art is a testament to the region's rich artistic heritage. Visitors can marvel at intricate sculptures, delicate paintings, and stunning stained glass windows that offer a glimpse into the artistic and spiritual expressions of the past. Among the highlights are a 13th-century statue of the Virgin and Child, a 15th-century altarpiece depicting the life of Christ, and a series of vibrant stained glass windows from the 16th century.
Baroque and Rococo Art
The museum's Baroque and Rococo collection features works that exemplify the opulence and grandeur of these artistic movements. Visitors can admire elaborate sculptures, opulent paintings, and intricate goldsmith work that showcase the mastery of skilled artisans. Notable pieces include a stunning 17th-century altarpiece dedicated to Saint Bernard, a dramatic painting depicting the martyrdom of Saint Stephen, and a collection of finely crafted monstrances adorned with precious stones.
19th-century Art
The museum's collection of 19th-century art showcases the changing artistic landscape of the period. Visitors can appreciate works that reflect the influence of Romanticism, Realism, and Symbolism. Among the highlights are a poignant painting by Eugène Delacroix depicting the death of Ophelia, a serene landscape by Gustave Courbet, and a mystical painting by Odilon Redon symbolizing the search for the ideal.
Temporary Exhibitions
The Musée de l'Art Sacré de Dijon is renowned for its captivating temporary exhibitions that showcase a diverse range of sacred art. These exhibitions delve into specific periods, themes, or artists, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the museum's collection and the rich history of religious art.
Past exhibitions have explored topics such as the art of the Middle Ages, the Baroque period, and the influence of Christianity on contemporary art. Visitors have had the opportunity to admire masterpieces from around the world, including paintings, sculptures, tapestries, and liturgical objects.
Current exhibitions include “The Golden Age of Sacred Art in Dijon”, which presents a stunning array of works created during the city's golden age in the 13th and 14th centuries. Visitors can marvel at intricate goldsmithing, delicate ivory carvings, and vibrant stained glass windows that encapsulate the artistic brilliance of this era.
Upcoming exhibitions promise to be equally captivating. “The Art of the Renaissance in Burgundy” will showcase the region's rich artistic heritage during the Renaissance period, while “Modern and Contemporary Sacred Art” will explore the evolution of religious art in the 20th and 21st centuries.
Other Museum Highlights
In addition to its impressive collection of religious art, the Musée de l'Art Sacré de Dijon also houses a number of other notable attractions.
The Lapidary Museum
The Lapidary Museum is home to a collection of over 2,000 stone sculptures and fragments dating from the 11th to the 19th centuries. The collection includes works from all over France, as well as from other parts of Europe.
The Chapel of the Visitation
The Chapel of the Visitation is a small, Gothic-style chapel that was built in the 15th century. The chapel is decorated with a number of beautiful stained glass windows, as well as a series of paintings by the Flemish artist Rogier van der Weyden.
The Cloister of the Chartreuse de Champmol
The Cloister of the Chartreuse de Champmol is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture. The cloister was built in the 14th century and is surrounded by a series of arched walkways. The cloister is home to a number of sculptures and other works of art, including a series of gargoyles that are said to be among the finest examples of their kind in France.
Things to See Outside the Museum
In addition to the museum's collection, there are several other interesting sights to see in the vicinity. The Chartreuse de Champmol is a former Carthusian monastery located just a short walk from the museum. Founded in 1383 by Duke Philip II of Burgundy, the monastery was once one of the most important in Europe. Today, it houses the Musée Champmol, which displays a collection of medieval and Renaissance art.
The Château de Dijon, also known as the Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne, is another must-see attraction. This impressive palace was built in the 14th century and served as the residence of the Dukes of Burgundy. Today, it houses the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon, which has a collection of paintings, sculptures, and other works of art from the Middle Ages to the present day.
If you are interested in modern and contemporary art, be sure to visit the Musée d'Art Moderne et Contemporain de Dijon (MAMAC). This museum is located in the city center and features a collection of works by some of the most important artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Services Offered
The Musée de l'Art Sacré de Dijon offers a range of services to enhance visitors' experience and facilitate research and educational activities.
Guided tours, led by knowledgeable and passionate docents, provide in-depth insights into the museum's collection and the history of the building. Tours are available in various languages upon request and can be tailored to specific interests and needs. Reservations are recommended, especially for groups.
Educational programs, designed for school groups and families, bring the museum's collection to life through interactive and engaging activities. These programs aim to foster appreciation for art and history while encouraging creativity and critical thinking. Workshops, lectures, and hands-on activities are part of the educational offerings.
Research facilities are available for scholars and researchers interested in delving deeper into the museum's collection. The museum's library houses a wealth of resources, including books, manuscripts, and archival documents. Researchers can request access to the collection by appointment.
Accessibility
The Musée de l'Art Sacré de Dijon is committed to making its exhibits and facilities accessible to all visitors. The museum is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators providing access to all floors. Audio guides are available for visitors who are blind or have low vision, and Braille signage is provided throughout the museum. Visitors with specific accessibility needs can contact the museum in advance to arrange for assistance.
Tips for Visiting
Best time to visit
The Musée de l'Art Sacré de Dijon is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the shoulder season (May-June and September-October) when the weather is mild and there are fewer tourists. The museum is also open on Sundays, making it a great option for a weekend visit.
How much time to spend
You can easily spend two to three hours exploring the Musée de l'Art Sacré de Dijon. If you are short on time, focus on the permanent collection highlights, such as the medieval and Renaissance art, the Baroque and Rococo art, and the 19th-century art.
Dress code
There is no formal dress code for the Musée de l'Art Sacré de Dijon, but visitors are expected to dress respectfully. Avoid wearing shorts, tank tops, or flip-flops.
Photography and Videography
Photography and videography are generally allowed in the Musée de l'Art Sacré de Dijon for personal use, but it is important to be respectful of the artwork and other visitors. The use of flash photography is prohibited, and tripods are not allowed. Visitors are asked to refrain from filming or photographing objects that are considered sensitive and to avoid disrupting other visitors' contemplative experience.
For commercial use of photographs or videos, prior permission must be obtained from the museum administration. The museum reserves the right to charge a fee for commercial use and to request specific conditions for the use of its images.
Professional photographers and videographers are advised to contact the museum in advance to discuss their specific needs and to obtain the necessary authorizations.
Shopping
The Musée de l'Art Sacré de Dijon offers a small but well-stocked museum shop where visitors can purchase a variety of souvenirs and gifts related to the museum's collection and exhibitions. The shop sells a range of items, including books, postcards, reproductions of artworks, and religious objects.
In addition to the museum shop, there are several other shops located in the vicinity of the museum where visitors can find a wider selection of souvenirs and gifts. These shops sell a variety of items, including clothing, jewelry, pottery, and food products.
For those looking for a unique souvenir, the nearby Marché aux Puces de Dijon is a great place to find antiques, vintage clothing, and other unusual items. The market is held every Sunday morning and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
Events and Activities
In addition to its impressive collection, the Musée de l'Art Sacré de Dijon also hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year. These events provide an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the museum's collection and the history of art in Dijon.
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Concerts: The museum hosts regular concerts featuring classical and sacred music. These concerts are held in the museum's beautiful chapel, providing a unique and intimate setting for musical performances.
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Lectures: The museum also hosts lectures by experts on art history, the history of Dijon, and other related topics. These lectures are typically free and open to the public.
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Workshops: The museum offers a variety of workshops for adults and children, including art history workshops, calligraphy workshops, and iconography workshops. These workshops are a great way to learn more about art and to get hands-on experience creating your own works of art.
Insider Tips
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Secret Spots in the Museum:
- The Lapidary Museum, located in the basement of the museum, houses a collection of medieval and Renaissance sculptures, including the famous Well of Moses by Claus Sluter.
- The Chapel of the Visitation, located off the cloister, is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture and features stunning stained-glass windows.
- The Cloister of the Chartreuse de Champmol, located outside the museum, is a peaceful oasis and offers a glimpse into the life of the Carthusian monks who once lived here.
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Guided Tour Tricks:
- Book a guided tour in advance to avoid lines, especially during the peak season.
- Ask your tour guide about the history of the museum and its collection, as well as any special exhibitions that may be on display.
- Take your time and don't be afraid to ask questions. Your tour guide is there to help you learn as much as possible about the museum and its collection.
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Hidden Gems:
- The Treasury of the Chartreuse de Champmol, located in the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon, houses a collection of religious objects, including the famous Reliquary of St. Benigne.
- The Musée Archéologique de Dijon, located near the Musée de l'Art Sacré, houses a collection of artifacts from the region's rich history, including the famous Vix Crater.
- The Parc de la Colombière, located near the Musée de l'Art Sacré, is a beautiful park that offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside.
