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Museums #7 in Saint-Étienne

Musée d'art moderne et contemporain

4.3 · 1,198 reviews
Spacious, intellectual, and modernist.
Musée d'art moderne et contemporain, Rue Fernand Léger, 42270 Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, France
Interesting facts
1

The collection includes one of the largest holdings of works by the group Supports/Surfaces in France.

2

The museum contains a substantial design collection representing the industrial heritage of the Saint-Étienne region.

3

The architectural design utilizes natural light through roof-top pyramid-shaped structures, reflecting the industrial 'shed' aesthetic of the area.

4

It is among the few French museums to hold an extensive collection of both contemporary art and industrial design objects under one roof.

Overview

The Musée d'art moderne et contemporain (MAMC+) holds one of the most significant collections of 20th and 21st-century art in France outside of Paris. Located in the Saint-Étienne metropolitan area, the institution houses over 20,000 works spanning design, contemporary art, and modern painting. The building was designed by architect Didier Guichard and opened in 1987, featuring expansive, high-ceilinged galleries suited for large-scale installations. Its collection is particularly recognized for its depth in post-war art, including movements like Supports/Surfaces. The museum frequently rotates its permanent collection to present thematic exhibitions alongside contemporary temporary shows. It serves as a central cultural hub for the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, emphasizing the dialogue between industrial design and fine art.

Photo spot

The minimalist, geometric exterior architecture, particularly the series of skylights viewed from the museum park.

Insider tips

Check the official website for current temporary exhibitions before visiting, as these often occupy the largest gallery spaces.

Visit the dedicated design wing to see how local industrial history influenced the collection.

The surrounding Parc de l'Europe provides a quiet space for walking after viewing the galleries.

What to avoid

Do not assume the entire permanent collection is always on display, as the museum frequently rotates works to support thematic exhibits.

Good to know

Closed on Tuesdays and specific public holidays.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2-3 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings to experience the galleries with fewer crowds.
Address
Musée d'art moderne et contemporain, Rue Fernand Léger, 42270 Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, France
45.469, 4.374
Get directions
Details
Key collectionsSupports/Surfaces, contemporary design, post-war painting

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2-3 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings to experience the galleries with fewer crowds..

The minimalist, geometric exterior architecture, particularly the series of skylights viewed from the museum park.

Close by you'll find Geoffroy-Guichard, Couriot - Musée de la Mine, Grande Mosquée Mohammed VI de Saint-Étienne.