The building was originally founded as an Ursuline convent in the 1600s before being repurposed for modern museum use.
The collection includes significant works from the Puy-de-Dôme region, highlighting the influence of local volcanic stone on regional religious art.
The site features a permanent exhibition dedicated to the evolution of urban life in Clermont-Ferrand from antiquity to the present.
Some of the displayed sculptures were recovered from rural Auvergne churches during the 19th-century preservation efforts.
The museum architecture incorporates a glass atrium that links the historic convent wings to contemporary gallery sections.
The Musée d'Art Roger Quilliot (MARQ) is housed within a restored 17th-century Ursuline convent located in the historic Montferrand district of Clermont-Ferrand. The museum's collection spans from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, emphasizing the artistic heritage of the Auvergne region. It holds a significant collection of medieval sculptures, particularly polychrome wood and stone religious works. The gallery space features contemporary interventions that contrast with the original stone vaults and architectural layout of the former convent. Visitors can explore displays of fine arts, including paintings by French masters and historical artifacts related to the city's growth. The museum functions as a center for both regional history and broader European art movements. The layout integrates the historic architecture into the exhibition flow, creating a distinct spatial experience. It is the primary fine arts institution for the Clermont-Auvergne-Métropole area.
The central glass atrium where the modern architecture meets the 17th-century convent stonework.
Explore the temporary exhibition galleries on the upper floors as they often feature thematic displays not present in the permanent collection.
Take advantage of the museum's quiet garden courtyard, which provides a view of the historic convent masonry.
Focus on the medieval section first, as the lighting and layout are specifically optimized for the texture of the polychrome sculptures.
Do not confuse this museum with the L'Aventure Michelin, which is located in a different part of the city.
Closed on Mondays and major public holidays.
Maintain a low volume in the vaulted galleries; photography without flash is typically permitted.
