Musee d'Art Roger Quilliot

In the historic heart of the Montferrand district lies a place that reveals a multifaceted and sophisticated France through the prism of centuries-old traditions.

Roger Quilliot Art Museum. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The museum's collection spans an impressive period from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Visitors can see rare Gallo-Roman artifacts, majestic religious sculptures from Auvergne, and canvases by prominent European masters. The painting collection is particularly rich in works by artists such as Gustave Courbet, Eugène Delacroix, and Camille Corot. History buffs are consistently drawn to the famous equestrian statue of Vercingetorix by Bartholdi.

Spanning four floors, the museum offers visitors a chronological journey through the Enlightenment, Baroque, and Modernist eras. In addition to painting and sculpture, it features exquisite examples of decorative arts, including famous local faience and Louis XIII-era furniture. It is a space where classical heritage meets the avant-garde of the 1920s–1960s, creating a vibrant and inspiring dialogue across time.

For more information about special events or to book group tours, you can contact the museum administration directly. Below are the current contact details for planning your visit.

Inside the museum, an exciting journey across four levels of art awaits you. Begin your exploration on the lower floors, which feature medieval altar panels and Gallo-Roman artifacts that tell the story of the region's deep roots. Pay special attention to the galleries of 17th–19th century European painting: here, you can spend hours admiring portraits by Philippe de Champaigne or the famous series of decorative panels dedicated to the poem "Orlando Furioso."

Be sure to head to the upper floors to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of modern art. The 20th-century collection includes works by Bernard Buffet and Marie Laurencin, as well as conceptual installations that contrast strikingly with the ancient masonry of the convent walls. For those who appreciate detail, the museum houses a rich collection of decorative arts, from massive 17th-century carved cabinets to fragile and elegant Clermont-Ferrand faience.

In addition to admiring the paintings, MARQ frequently hosts temporary themed exhibitions and conferences that blend visual art with music and theater. The museum space itself, with its courtyards and glass atrium, invites quiet reflection and aesthetic relaxation, allowing you to experience the atmosphere of old France in a contemporary context.

Located in the charming historic district of Montferrand, the museum is approximately 3–4 kilometers from the city's central cathedral. A walk from the center of Clermont-Ferrand takes about 40 minutes; however, it is much more convenient to use the well-developed public transport network.

Bus lines A, B, C, or N3 are ideal for the trip. You should get off at the "Montferrand Mairie" or "Place Deteix" stops, which are in the immediate vicinity of the entrance. If you are arriving at the main railway station (Gare SNCF), a tram or bus ride to the museum will take no more than 10–15 minutes.

Travelers arriving by car should head toward Place Louis Deteix, where parking areas are located. The city is also bicycle-friendly: the Vélo à la Carte rental system makes it easy to reach the Montferrand district via dedicated paths. From Clermont-Ferrand airport, a taxi ride will take about 15–20 minutes.

The history of this site began long before the first paintings arrived. The museum occupies the building of a former Ursuline convent, which is an architectural monument in its own right. A major transformation took place in 1990 under the direction of architects Adrien Fainsilber and Claude Gaillard. They achieved the nearly impossible: integrating ultra-modern glass and metal structures into a strict 17th-century classical facade.

The official opening of the renovated space took place in 1992, and just a year later, it was visited by the French Prime Minister. It received its current name—the Roger Quilliot Fine Arts Museum—in 1999 in honor of the city's prominent mayor and minister, who made an invaluable contribution to the region's cultural development.

The core of the collection consists of city holdings amassed over decades. Of particular value is the 20th-century wing, opened thanks to a generous gift from Maurice and Simone Combe. This donation included over a hundred works by masters of the so-called "School of Paris," which immediately elevated the museum to a new level of national significance.

Today, the museum continues to evolve. Future plans include merging collections with materials from the Bargoin Museum, which will create an even more comprehensive picture of the development of arts and crafts in Auvergne, ranging from Gallo-Roman archaeological finds to the mid-century avant-garde.

To fully enjoy all the museum's treasures, spanning the journey from the Middle Ages to the present day, you should set aside at least 2–3 hours for your visit. The collections are spread over four floors, and each requires a careful look.

If you plan to also visit temporary themed exhibitions or linger by the Impressionist masterpieces, it is better to schedule half a day. This will allow you to explore both the permanent exhibition and the unique architecture of the former convent building without rushing.

The museum welcomes visitors throughout the week, except for Mondays, when it is closed for maintenance. Please note the midday break on weekends.

Opening Hours:\n

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• Monday: Closed
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• Tuesday — Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
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• Saturday — Sunday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
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The Montferrand district, where the museum is located, is one of the oldest parts of the city, preserving the spirit of the Middle Ages. A stroll through its narrow streets after visiting the galleries will help reinforce your impressions and see historical architecture firsthand.

Numerous points of interest are concentrated around the museum, from elegant fountains to old townhouses and squares that create the unique character of the Auvergne region.