Over 200 years old and still on the move!
The museum is a living place, and its collection is a dynamic entity.
Museums that have been granted “Musées de France” status are specifically tasked with “conserving, restoring, studying and enriching their collections”. The MusBA is therefore constantly on the lookout for new opportunities to enrich its collections.
These acquisitions are made through purchases at public auctions or from gallery owners, as well as through donations and bequests, with special thanks to the Société des Amis du Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux and to private donors for their invaluable support.
The MusBA’s acquisition policy is driven both by the need to complement its existing collection and by a desire to explore new areas, illustrating new visions of heritage.
The life of the museum brings together both the present and the future!
The main themes...
Art in Bordeaux and the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region
The museum has an extensive collection dedicated to the artists who have made Bordeaux a place of creativity and exchange, across all periods. The collection is constantly being expanded, with a focus on iconic figures such as André Lhote, Odilon Redon and Albert Marquet. Particular emphasis is placed on the late 18th century, the Neoclassical and Romantic movements, and Francisco de Goya and his ties with the city. Art Deco is also featured, as is sculpture, with artists such as Charles Despiau and Robert Wlérick. Finally, connections with music, opera, dance and the theme of the Bacchanalia illustrate the strong link between this Gironde city and the world of wine.
Foreign schools
One of the distinctive features of the collection is its international character, particularly for the older periods, reflecting the historically European dimension of Bordeaux with Italian, Spanish, British and Northern European schools (Flanders and the Netherlands). The museum intends to open up its 19th- and 20th-century collections, which are almost exclusively devoted to national artists, to foreign schools (Spain from the 17th to the 20th century, Italy, Great Britain and Northern Europe).
The 17th century and the French Caravaggisti
While not aiming for an exhaustive collection, the museum strives to fill certain gaps, such as French classicism, which remains under-represented in the collections. The 17th century, particularly the French Caravaggisti and the Northern School, occupies a central place. The Italian school is not forgotten, with several Renaissance masterpieces.
Contemporary artists
The museum is also a home for artists. Since its creation, it has sought to interact with contemporary creation, providing a place where living artists can engage with the masters of the past. The École municipale de Dessin (the predecessor of the École Supérieure des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux-ebabx) and the museum have long been under the same management. The MusBA’s exhibitions regularly feature works by living artists that engage in dialogue with its collections, and are sometimes accompanied by donations from artists at the end of the exhibitions (Erik Samakh in 2017, Denis Monfleur in 2023).
The museum is sensitive to social issues and has been working alongside the City of Bordeaux for several years to promote inclusion and gender equality, a commitment that is evident in its exhibitions (Rosa Bonheur, Valérie Belin), displays (Elles sortent de leur(s) réserve(s). Artistes femmes de la collection), visits and acquisitions. With female artists such as Lavinia Fontana, Marguerite Gérard, Rosa Bonheur, Alice Halicka, Berthe Morisot and many others, the museum is committed to increasing the presence of female artists in its collection.
