Nantes boasts excellent museums covering art, history, natural sciences, and contemporary creativity.
A world-class fine arts museum with collections spanning from medieval times to contemporary works. The museum houses works by Watteau, Delacroix, and Monet, as well as modern and contemporary art. The elegant building and well-curated exhibitions make it one of France's finest provincial art museums.
Dedicated to the famous author Jules Verne who was born in Nantes, this museum explores his extraordinary life and imaginative works. The exhibits include manuscripts, first editions, theatrical adaptations, and interactive displays celebrating his pioneering science fiction novels like 'Journey to the Center of the Earth' and '20,000 Leagues Under the Sea'.
Within the castle complex, the museum displays Breton heritage and Nantes history. Exhibits detail the city's transformation from a medieval power center to a modern metropolis, including artifacts from the slave trade era, Renaissance art, and modern installations documenting local identity.
Tips for Museums & Galleries
- Many museums offer free entry on first Sundays
- The arts museum has excellent temporary exhibitions
- Jules Verne enthusiasts shouldn't miss his childhood home context