The Museum of Fine Arts and Archeology and the Natural History Museum of Troyes, in the Aube, grouped under the name "Saint-Loup Museum", are housed in the former abbey of Saint-Loup, in the historic center of the city, near the cathedral. It should be noted, however, that the Museum of Modern Art, born from the donation of nearly 2,000 works to the State in 1976 by Pierre and Denise Lévy, is located in the former episcopal palace where it was inaugurated in 1982.
It was the Academic Society of Troyes that initiated the Fine Arts Museum project and opened it in 1831, ensuring its management until after the Second World War, when the site became a municipal museum.
The Fine Arts collections come from confiscations carried out during the Revolution and from donations.
Thus, in 1833, a first major donation was made by the Champagne painter Morlot.
The collection also includes works by Natoire, Boullogne, Desportes, Boucher, Castelli, Hubert Robert and Watteau that belonged in the 18th century to Philibert Orry (1689-1747), Comptroller General of Finances and Director of the King's Buildings.
Paintings also come from the castle of Pont-sur-Seine (Bellotto, Champaigne), and that of Saint-Liébault (busts of Girardon). The collections also include works by 17th century Trojan artists and private collections that have become public including canvases by Rubens, Mignard, van Lint, van Bijlert….
Finally, the museum benefits from prestigious deposits from the Louvre Museum.
As for the museum, created at the end of the 18th century, its collection was patiently built up by professors from the Aube central school and then by passionate scientists, amateurs or professionals.
Open every day except January 1, May 1, November 1 and 11, December 25. Free admission from November 1 to March 31, as well as the first Sunday of each month. Usual price: 3 and 5.50 euros. Information on +33 3 25 42 20 09.