The Museum of Fine Arts

Right next to Quimper’s City Hall stands the Museum of Fine Arts, housed in a grand classical building since 1872. It was designed by none other than Joseph Bigot—the very same architect behind the soaring spires of Saint-Corentin Cathedral. The museum’s story began with a remarkable gift from Count Jean-Marie de Silguy, a Quimper native with an impressive personal collection: 1,200 paintings, 2,000 drawings, and 12,000 engravings. In his will, he offered it all to his hometown—on one condition: that a proper museum be built to display it. Today, this museum is considered one of the most important in western France, and its collection has grown far beyond its original scope thanks to additional donations, acquisitions, and long-term loans. It now spans over five centuries of regional and European art. Alongside two major temporary exhibitions held each year, the museum offers a wide range of activities for all ages—think workshops, lectures, themed guided tours, and more. There’s no doubt that Count de Silguy’s vision has been more than fulfilled!