The Musée des Beaux-Arts Tournai, known locally as the Museum voor Schone Kunsten, is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Tournai, Belgium. This remarkable art museum, housed in a unique building designed by the renowned Art Nouveau architect Victor Horta, offers visitors an enchanting journey through centuries of artistic expression, from the Flemish Primitives to contemporary masterpieces.
The origins of the Musée des Beaux-Arts Tournai date back to the early 20th century. The museum owes its existence to the generous bequest of Henri Van Cutsem, a Brussels-born art patron, who left his extensive collection of Belgian and French modern paintings to the city of Tournai. Van Cutsem's one condition was that a museum be built to house his collection, and he entrusted this task to his friend, Victor Horta.
Horta's design for the museum, completed in 1911, is nothing short of extraordinary. The building's layout, often compared to the shape of a turtle or a flying squirrel depending on one's perspective, reflects Horta's innovative approach to architecture. The museum's radiating and luminous design ensures that natural light floods the exhibition spaces, enhancing the viewing experience. However, this emphasis on natural light has posed challenges for the conservation of artworks, as excessive light and temperature fluctuations can be detrimental to their preservation.
Construction of the museum began in 1912 on the site of the former Saint-Martin Abbey but was interrupted by the outbreak of World War I. It wasn't until 1928 that the Musée des Beaux-Arts Tournai was officially inaugurated, finally fulfilling Van Cutsem's vision.
The museum's diverse collections offer a comprehensive panorama of European art, spanning from the 15th century to the present day. Visitors can explore works by Flemish Primitives such as Rogier van der Weyden, Jan Mabuse, and Robert Campin, as well as masterpieces by renowned artists from the 17th and 18th centuries, including Peter Paul Rubens, Antoine Watteau, and Jacob Jordaens.
One of the museum's highlights is its impressive collection of 19th-century paintings, featuring works by celebrated artists such as Claude Monet, Édouard Manet, Vincent van Gogh, and Georges Seurat. Notably, the Musée des Beaux-Arts Tournai is the only museum in Belgium to possess works by Manet, making it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts.
The museum also proudly showcases the talents of local artists from Tournai, including Louis Gallait, Roméo Dumoulin, George Grard, and Fernand Allard l'Olivier. These artists' works provide a fascinating insight into the rich artistic heritage of the region.
The museum's painting collection is a treasure trove of artistic gems. Highlights include Jan Gossaert's Saint Donatien, Léonce Legendre's Nymphe de Capri, and Jules Bastien-Lepage's evocative works La Communiante and Le Colporteur endormi. Visitors can also admire Henri Fantin-Latour's L'Étude, Manet's Argenteuil and Chez le père Lathuille, Rubens' L'Écriture Sainte, and van der Weyden's La Vierge et l'Enfant.
Impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces are well-represented, with Monet's La pointe du Cap Martin and Seurat's La grève du Bas Butin Honfleur among the highlights. The collection also includes works by James Ensor, Éliane de Meuse, and Pieter Brueghel the Younger, offering a rich and varied artistic experience.
The Musée des Beaux-Arts Tournai boasts an impressive array of sculptures, both indoors and outdoors. Notable outdoor sculptures include Tom Frantzen's L’ange exterminateur, Marcel Rau's Béatitude maternelle, and George Grard's Femme regardant le soleil.
Inside the museum, visitors can marvel at Guillaume Charlier's Buste de Henri Van Cutsem, Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse's Buste de Louis Gallait, and Bram Bogart's Noir et bleu. Other highlights include Jef Lambeaux's Bacchanale and Laocoon, François Rude's Figure allégorique, and Charles Van der Stappen's Évêque bénissant - 'pax vobiscum'.
The Musée des Beaux-Arts Tournai regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that provide fresh perspectives on its permanent collections and showcase new and exciting works of art. Past exhibitions have included Paris, Milan, Wuppertal - Eight Masterpieces of Modern European Painting (1884-1931), The Court of Miracles - Christos Ex’Agraphon and Satire in Art, and More Real than Nature - Robert Campin and the Flemish Portrait.
The Musée des Beaux-Arts Tournai is not just a museum; it's a journey through the history of art, a celebration of creativity, and a testament to the vision of its founder, Henri Van Cutsem, and its architect, Victor Horta. Whether you're an art aficionado or a casual visitor, this museum offers a captivating experience that will leave you inspired and enriched. So, the next time you find yourself in Tournai, make sure to step into this architectural and artistic marvel and immerse yourself in the world of fine arts.
Get your Tickets now!
With myCityHunt you can discover thousands of cities around the world in exciting scavenger hunts, treasure hunts and escape games!
myCityHunt vouchers are the perfect gift for many occasions! Surprise your friends and family with this extraordinary event gift. myCityHunt gift vouchers are valid for 2 years from the date of purchase and can be used within this period for a freely selectable city and tour from the myCityHunt portfolio.
Buy Gift Vouchers
