The Museum of Fine Arts in Tours is nestled within a historic gem of a building. This site holds immense significance in the history of ancient Caesarodunum, with its underground chambers showcasing the most exquisite lapidary inscription celebrating the Turons. The first bishops made their home near the cathedral in a palace that hugged the 4th-century wall.
Post-1789, the Palace of the Archbishops took on various roles: it transformed into a theater, Central School, and library. By a departmental decree on October 6, 1792, with the fervent efforts of Charles-Antoine Rougeot, the founder of the city's drawing school, and his son-in-law, Jean-Jacques Raverot, it became a treasure trove for artworks seized during the Revolution.
The museum was officially established in 1801 and 1802. Throughout the 19th century, the buildings reverted back to the archdiocese. It wasn't until 1910 that the collections found their way back to the old archiepiscopal palace. Visitors today can wander through halls brimming with history, where each corner seems to whisper tales of its past. The museum is a delightful mix of art, history, and architecture, offering a unique glimpse into the region's rich heritage.