Musee des Beaux-Arts de Dijon (Museum of Fine Arts), Dijon (must see)

The Museum of Fine Arts is a prestigious institution that holds a prominent place among France's oldest and most important museums. Established in 1787, it is situated in the heart of the historic city center of Dijon, within the former ducal palace that once served as the seat of the Burgundy State during the 15th century. Over time, the palace transitioned into the residence of the King and later became the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy following a remarkable project led by Jules Hardouin-Mansart in the 17th century. The museum boasts 50 different rooms, housing a stunning collection of 1,500 works of art.

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon houses an extensive and diverse collection that spans various periods and styles of art. Notable highlights include remnants from the opulent court of the Dukes of Burgundy, such as the renowned tombs of Philip the Bold, John the Fearless, and Margaret of Bavaria, adorned with their mourners from the Chartreuse of Champmol. The museum also features a collection of Egyptian antiquities, which includes a rare series of Fayum mummy portraits.

One of the museum's unique offerings is its collection of Roman art, sourced from Switzerland and Germany, making it the sole collection of its kind in France. The Renaissance, 17th, and 18th centuries are well-represented with famous works by esteemed artists like Melchior Broederlam, Verrocchio, Robert Campin (known as the Master of Flémalle), Ambrogio Lorenzetti, Lorenzo Lotto, Titian, Jacopo Pontormo, Paolo Veronese, Jan Brueghel the Elder, Guido Reni, Georges de La Tour, Rubens, Philippe de Champaigne, Charles Le Brun, Jean-Baptiste Greuze, and Hubert Robert.