The building stands on the site of a former Roman city wall, segments of which are visible in the courtyard.
The museum houses two paintings by Andrea Mantegna, 'The Resurrection' and 'The Agony in the Garden', which were originally part of the San Zeno Altarpiece predella.
The 18th-century cedar of Lebanon in the courtyard was planted around 1804 and is recognized as a 'Remarkable Tree of France'.
Napoleon Bonaparte stayed in the building during his visit to Tours in 1808.
The collection includes a significant ensemble of works by 18th-century French masters, reflecting the region's artistic patronage.
The Museum of Fine Arts of Tours is housed in the former Archiepiscopal Palace, a historic building located adjacent to the Tours Cathedral. The museum features an extensive collection of European paintings, including works by Mantegna, Rembrandt, Rubens, and Boucher. Its permanent collection also spans sculptures, ceramics, and furniture dating from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. The site includes a notable 18th-century cedar tree in the courtyard, which is a protected natural monument. The architecture reflects various stylistic periods, having been constructed atop Gallo-Roman remains. The building itself is listed as a French Monument Historique.
The central courtyard featuring the historic cedar tree with the palace architecture as a backdrop.
Check the museum's courtyard to see the historic cedar tree and the Gallo-Roman wall remnants before entering the galleries.
Combine your visit with the Tours Cathedral located immediately next door for a full historical perspective of the site.
Attempting to visit on a Tuesday, as the museum is typically closed.
Closed on Tuesdays and certain public holidays.
No flash photography is allowed in the galleries; maintain a low voice consistent with a quiet museum environment.
