Bordeaux Art Museums
Discover Bordeaux beyond its wine heritage by exploring its creative districts on foot with a Bordeaux Walking Tour, then dive into the city’s museum scene.
Bordeaux is usually associated with fine wine production, rich food, and extraordinary architecture (there are 347 world heritage listed buildings). What you might not know is that there is a vibrant Bordeaux art scene. If you are a fan of art, you will be spoiled for choice as there are many Bordeaux art galleries to explore during your visit.
The Bordeaux art scene is growing and features traditional and contemporary art. There has been an exodus from the busy streets of Paris and there are many Bordeaux artists who have now made their homes in the peaceful, inspiring beauty and quiet life in this famous port city.
If you are planning to visit many museums, then it is a good idea to invest in a Bordeaux City Pass, which gives you access to all fifteen museums, other monuments, and free transport on the trams, buses, and the river shuttle. It can be purchased for 24-72 hours and ranges from 35 euros to 52 euros, and is a massive savings if you are planning to experience as much of the Bordeaux art scene as you can.
Why Not Enjoy A Walking Tour When You Are Not Visiting Your Favourite Museum
Bordeaux is a beautiful city, and even just walking through the streets is a perfect way to experience the creativity and beauty of the architecture and harmony that shines through everywhere. When you are not out enjoying art fairs and museum exhibitions, why not embark on a free walking tour with an expert guide with Bordeaux Free Walking Tours. Your guide is a wealth of information and will offer insights and interesting historical information that are only known to the locals, who can also show you the impress array of different street art that is dotted around the city.
Bordeaux Art Galleries
You can enjoy Bordeaux anytime of the year and there are many different styles and types of art to enjoy. Here are just a few of our favourite Bordeaux Museums.
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux
Visit one of the oldest, most prestigious, and elegant museums in France that has a vast collection of classical art that spans from the 19th century back to the Renaissance, as well as a permanent art collection of European masterpieces from the 15th to 20th century. The museum is spread across two buildings near the Quartier Saint Michel and was founded in 1801 It features paintings from Matisse, Delacroix, Picasso, and Rubens.
Website : Visit here
Address : 20 cours d'Albret, 33000 Bordeaux
Telephone : +33 (05) 56 10 20 56
Frac Nouvelle-Aquitaine MÉCA
If you are passionate about contemporary art, then the Frac Nouvelle-Aquitaine MÉCA is the perfect place to visit. With a collection of contemporary art that spans the past forty years, the exhibitions are a combination of paintings, drawings, sculptures, installations, sound, and video and feature artists from around the world with a particular emphasis on works by females.
Website: Visit here
Address: 5 Parvis Corto Maltese, 33000 Bordeaux, France
Email : contact@frac-meca.fr
Telephone : +33 (05) 24 10 06 24
Galerie des Beaux-Arts
This gallery is a smaller extension of the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux and features special temporary art exhibitions that feature renowned artists and themes around different art trends and movements.
Address: Place du Colonel Raynal, 33000 Bordeaux
CAPC Musée d'Art Contemporain
Enjoy the beauty of Bordeaux’s premier contemporary art museum, which features exhibitions throughout the year that are based on temporary exhibitions that feature programmes centred around the history of art, music, and contemporary creations by globally renowned artists that are in the form of large-scale installations. The museum is housed in a historic warehouse in Entrepôt Lainé that was constructed by architect Claude Deschamps and where colonial goods were stored.
Website: Visit here
Address: 7 rue Ferrère, 33000 Bordeaux
Email : capc@mairie-bordeaux.fr
Telephone : +33 (05) 56 00 81 50
Bassins des Lumières
If you are a fan of digital art then you should visit this former submarine base that has been transformed into an immersive space that features exceptional exhibitions that transform some of the finest art pieces of famous painters such as Monet, Van Gogh and other renowned artists into giant digital images that are projected onto the walls. This immersive experience brings the painting to life, and you actually feel as if you are inside of them.
Website: Visit here
Address: Impasse Brown de Colstoun, 33300 Bordeaux
Telephone : +33 (05) 35 00 00 90
Institut Culturel Bernard Magrez
This is a private contemporary art centre that supports established and emerging artists, features different exhibitions, and was created by Bernard Magrez, owner of many vineyards around France. The permanent collection features contemporary art and there are many temporary ongoing exhibitions that are set in an elegant Château in the centre of Bordeaux where guests can enjoy a glass of wine and contemplate and enjoy the pleasure of contemporary art as well as visit the gardens in a quiet and peaceful environment.
Website: Visit here
Address: Château Labottière, 5 Rue Labottière, 33000 Bordeaux
Email : contact@institut-bernard-magrez.com
Musée des Arts Décoratifs et du Design (MADD)
For those who are fans of decorative arts, design, and furniture from the 18th century to today, this is a must-see. The museum has exhibitions that feature contemporary design and also elegant rooms that have period furniture. The museum is currently undergoing a transformation, but check the website as it will be opening again at the beginning of 2026. In the meantime, there are many experiences that the museum is offering online, so be certain to check it out.
Website: Visit here
Address: 39 rue Bouffard, 33000 Bordeaux
Les Vivres de l’Art
If you are looking for a unique experience centred around the thriving Bordeaux art scene, then you should definitely spend an afternoon here. The expositions are created through the collaboration of different contemporary Bordeaux artists and are housed in the ancient Bordelais slaughterhouse that has been transformed into a beautiful space where the idea is to make art accessible to as many people as possible. There is the opportunity to explore and even purchase art. There are indoor and outdoor exhibitions throughout the year.
Website: https://lesvivresdelart.org/
Address : Place Victor Raulin - 1 rue Achard - 33300 Bordeaux
Email: communication@lesvivresdelart.org
Bordeaux hosts many different exhibitions throughout the year
Bordeaux is home to many art galleries with permanent exhibitions. There are also many different Bordeaux art fairs and temporary art exhibitions that take place throughout the year. The best way to find out when they are happening is to check regularly online to see when the next Art Fair Bordeaux in their website.
In addition to the wide array of Bordeaux art galleries, there are also different special art exhibitions throughout the year that feature Bordeaux artists and many others from around the world. If you enjoy art fairs then you should check regularly online to see what is happening.
Explore More Cultural Experiences in Bordeaux
If you are interested in alternative artistic spaces beyond traditional museums, explore our guide to street art in Bordeaux to discover murals and contemporary urban expression across the city.
You can also discover seasonal exhibitions and major cultural gatherings in our overview of festivals and events in Bordeaux throughout the year.
Planning Your Visit to Bordeaux
Bordeaux is easily accessible, and there are many different accommodation, food, and entertainment options that are available for visitors to enjoy. Below, there is some practical information to help you plan your next getaway!
Getting there: There are daily flights to Bordeaux by many of the main airline operators to Bordeaux Airport, which is twenty-five minutes by taxi to the city centre. You can also arrive by TGV, or hire a car and drive there.
Bordeaux Accommodation: There are plenty of delightful options and lovely places to stay in Bordeaux. From traditional hotels to self-accommodation.
Eating Out: You will be spoiled for choice when it comes to eating options. From traditional bistros to more elegant Michelin-starred restaurants, there is something to please any palate.
Before you leave, make time to connect the city’s art, architecture, and history together with a Bordeaux Walking Tour to complete your cultural experience.
Bordeaux is perfect to visit any time of the year, and travellers can enjoy a quick weekend getaway or stay for a longer period of time. Immerse yourself in the vibrant art scene, take a walk through history, enjoy fun activities with your friends and children, or sit at a café and enjoy some of the local wines. There is something for everyone. Experience French culture in this famous port city, Bordeaux is calling!