MUba Eugène-Leroy

Located in the heart of the city of Tourcoing, the MUba Eugène Leroy Museum is a unique space where classical art meets contemporary trends. In the second half of the 19th century, this museum of fine arts found its home in a luxurious mansion built in the Napoleon III style. Today, it is considered one of the cultural gems that France is proud of.

MUba Eugène Leroy. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The museum's identity is centered around a donation from local artist Eugène Leroy, whose name the institution has carried since 2009. The collection includes over 600 of his works, while the overall collection spans the period from the 16th to the 20th century. The museum building is a remarkable symbiosis of historical heritage and modern architectural solutions, where the mansion's antique interiors sit alongside the sleek galleries of the 1930s.

The significance of MUba lies not only in the richness of its holdings but also in its conceptual approach: here, true "dialogues" are created between paintings, sculptures, and drawings from different eras. The museum holds the prestigious Musée de France status and is known for its openness to experimentation, combining visual art with live performances — music, poetry, and dance.

For more information about special exhibitions or to book group tours, you can contact the museum administration directly.

In the halls of MUba Eugène Leroy, a fascinating journey through the centuries awaits visitors. You can explore rich collections of paintings, drawings, and sculptures, where 16th-century masterpieces sit alongside daring 20th-century works. A special place is reserved for the halls dedicated to Eugène Leroy himself: the scale of his legacy allows you to see the evolution of the artist's style and his contribution to modern art.

Be sure to visit the winter garden greenhouses — one of the most atmospheric spots in the museum, where part of the permanent collection is displayed surrounded by historical architecture. The geometry of the 1930s galleries, with their characteristic forms, creates the perfect backdrop for contemplating contemporary graphics and sculpture.

If you are lucky enough to attend the "Le Regard à la parole" program, you will witness art literally coming to life. These are interdisciplinary events where music, dance, or theater help provide a fresh perspective on familiar exhibits. Before leaving, it is worth stopping by the local gift shop to pick up commemorative albums or unique items inspired by the current exhibitions.

Finding the MUba Eugène Leroy Museum is easy: it is located at 2 Rue Paul Doumer, right in the heart of the city. If you are coming from neighboring Lille, the most convenient way is to take the train — the journey to Tourcoing station takes about 20–30 minutes, followed by a pleasant 10–15 minute walk to the museum gates.

For those who prefer local public transport, the city has an excellent network of trams and buses. You should get off at one of the stops in the central part of the city, from where the museum building can be reached in just a few minutes. If you are traveling by taxi, simply give the driver the name of the museum or the address — it is one of the most famous cultural landmarks in the area.

Travelers by car should follow the signs to the city center. Public parking is available near the museum. It is also worth noting the city's proximity to the Belgian border: for example, from Kortrijk, the drive along the E17 highway takes very little time, as the distance is only about 15 km.

The history of this cultural center began in 1860, when the first municipal collection was displayed in the gallery of the old town hall. The museum owes much of its development to Mayor Charles Roussel-Defontaines, who not only facilitated the acquisition of new exhibits but also donated his personal collections to the city. After the new town hall was built in 1866, the exhibition temporarily occupied its second floor.

A landmark event occurred in 1931 when the museum of fine arts found its own home in a magnificent 1865 mansion, built in the Napoleon III style. This building, designed by architect Charles Maillard, is an architectural monument in its own right. Later, modern galleries designed in the 1930s by Henri and Jean Maillard were added, where strict geometric square forms prevail.

The museum's modern appearance and concept are the result of a large-scale restructuring in 1993–1994 under the direction of architects Jean-François Bodin and Thierry Germe. In 2009, another significant event took place: after receiving a gift of more than 600 works by the local master Eugène Leroy, the museum officially changed its name to MUba Eugène Leroy, establishing itself as an important center for the study of his legacy.

To leisurely explore the main halls and temporary exhibitions, most visitors need between 1.5 and 2.5 hours. This is enough time to get acquainted with the permanent collection, appreciate the architectural features of the mansion, and look into the greenhouses.

If your visit coincides with the interdisciplinary events of the "Le Regard à la parole" program, or if you plan to study each of Eugène Leroy's 600 works in detail, we recommend setting aside half a day for your visit. This will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the dialogue between classical and contemporary art without any rush.

The museum welcomes guests on a convenient schedule; however, it is important to remember that Tuesday is a day off. On other days of the week, including Saturday and Sunday, the halls are open for visitors from 13:00 to 18:00.

Since there may be changes to the schedule (for example, during exhibition rotations or public holidays), we recommend checking the museum's official website before your visit. This will help you plan your trip as comfortably as possible.

After visiting the art galleries, it is worth taking a walk around the neighborhood. The urban environment here harmoniously complements the cultural experience, allowing you to see architectural monuments and enjoy the atmosphere of a French city.