Ecole des Beaux-Arts founded in a former convent
The history of the Ecole des Beaux-Arts is fascinating.
Founded in 1816, it stands as France’s foremost art institution, and today boasts branches in six other prominent French cities.
The prestigious art school was established in the outbuildings of the Couvent des Petits-Augustins, a convent erected in the early 17th century under the patronage of Marguerite de Valois, the first wife of King Henry IV.
As all religious institutions, the convent was closed at the onset of the French Revolution. It fell under state ownership, and the monks expelled.
Many buildings fortunately escaped demolition and were repurposed, as the convent had a prime location, right in the heart of the capital and by the river.
A museum founded at the French Revolution!
In 1795, Alexandre Lenoir selected the convent as the site to establish the Musée des Monuments Français, showcasing remnants of religious edifices razed during the Revolution.
However, these relics were later returned to the clergy during the Bourbon Restoration.
During the 1830s, the convent underwent demolition, except for key structures like the hexagonal chapel, church, sacristy, and small cloister, repurposed to house the ‘École Royale et Spéciale des Beaux-Arts‘ (Royal and Special School of Fine Arts).
To accommodate its expansion, new facilities emerged, including the Bâtiment des Loges, Palais des Études, and an exhibition edifice overlooking Quai Malaquais.
In 1883, the Ecole des Beaux-Arts further expanded with the acquisition of the 16th-18th century Hôtel de Chimay and its annexes on Quai Malaquais. Today, it sprawls over 2 hectares and holds the designation of a Historical Building since 1972.
In 2008, certain sculpture workshops were decentralized to a building nestled in the heart of the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen
Ecole des Beaux-Arts – Cour Bonaparte
The main courtyard of the Ecole des Beaux-Arts, the Cour Bonaparte, is accessed from Rue Bonaparte.
Here, within the confines of the former convent’s church, now repurposed, lies the Musée de Moulages du Moyen-Age et de la Renaissance, exhibiting plaster casts from the medieval and Renaissance periods.
Adorning the church’s principal facade is a magnificent portal salvaged from the Château d’Anet, originally designed by the esteemed architect Philibert de L’Orme for Diane de Poitiers, the favored companion of Henry II.
Standing at a towering 22 meters, the portal showcases the three classical architectural orders – Tuscan, Ionic, and Corinthian – along with the intertwined emblems of Diane and Henri II (D and H).
Inside the church, a visual feast awaits visitors, with plaster casts, original sculptures, and paintings adorning the walls from floor to ceiling, creating an awe-inspiring ambiance. The sheer breadth and depth of the exhibits make it impossible to do justice to them all through mere mention.
Among the myriad exhibits, two stand out prominently. The first is a cast of the pulpit from the Cathedral of Pisa, capturing immediate attention with its intricate details.
Following closely is the cast of the Colleone, Bartolomeo Colleoni’s renowned equestrian statue (the original situated in Venice), exuding grandeur and craftsmanship.
Soft, diffused light filters through the windows on the flat roof, casting a gentle glow upon the nave. The church maintains a direct connection to the small hexagonal chapel commissioned by Marguerite de Valois.
This chapel, known as the Chapelle des Louanges, distinguished itself as one of Paris’ earliest structures to boast a dome.
Today, this chapel serves as an exhibition space for casts of select works by Michelangelo, offering visitors a glimpse into the master’s genius.
Additionally, replicas of paintings by recipients of the prestigious Prix de Rome adorn its walls, further enriching the cultural tapestry housed within the Ecole des Beaux-Arts.
Ecole des Beaux-Arts – Cour du Mûrier
The rear entrance of the church opens onto the Cour du Mûrier, a serene and charming courtyard centered around a graceful fountain. Once the cloister’s domain, this courtyard now serves as an al fresco gallery for the exhibition of statues, offering a tranquil respite from the bustling streets of Paris.
Named after the Chinese mulberry tree planted by Alexandre Lenoir in 1816, the Cour du Mûrier exudes an air of unexpected tranquility amidst the urban hustle.
As one strolls through its verdant expanse, it’s easy to forget the surrounding city’s clamor, enveloped instead by the soothing rustle of leaves and the gentle trickle of water from the fountain.
The facades of the arched galleries encircling the courtyard, painted in warm hues of ocher and vermilion, evoke the ambiance of a Provencal village, transporting visitors to a timeless realm where the passage of time seems to halt.
Indeed, within the Cour du Mûrier, one finds an enchanting oasis where the urban cacophony gives way to a serene symphony of nature and artistry.
Ecole des Beaux-Arts – Cour Vitrée in Palais des Etudes
A narrow passage guides visitors back to the Cour Napoléon and the Palais des Études, where an architectural gem awaits – the Cour Vitrée, a magnificent showcase of 19th-century glass and metal craftsmanship.
Designed by Félix Duban, the Ecole des Beaux-Arts’ architect, the enclosed courtyard was purposefully constructed in the 1830s to serve as an exhibition space for numerous sculpture casts from the Louvre Museum.
In 1863, a glass roof was added, ensuring the preservation of these treasures from the elements. However, if one wishes to view these plaster casts today, a visit to the Petites Écuries du Château de Versailles is necessary, as they were relocated there in 1970.
Adorned with a polychrome decor inspired by Italian aesthetics, the inner facades of the Palais des Études were also embellished during this period.
With its striking oval shape and expansive 800m² area, the Cour Vitrée now serves as a venue for exhibiting the works of students from the Ecole des Beaux-Arts, carrying on its legacy as a space dedicated to artistic expression and innovation.
Ecole des Beaux-Arts – Amphithéatre d’Honneur
Félix Duban’s architectural prowess extended to the creation of the Amphithéâtre d’Honneur, another esteemed landmark within the school’s grounds.
Completed in 1839, this amphitheater initially served as a venue for lectures and prize ceremonies, embodying a blend of functionality and aesthetic splendor.
A true marvel, the amphitheater is renowned for its mural, masterfully executed by the painter Paul Delaroche.
This singular artwork depicts 75 life-sized figures, including painters, engravers, sculptors, and architects, symbolizing the diverse talents and contributions of artistic luminaries across different periods.
Representing the breadth of artistic history, these figures predominantly hail from Italy and France, embodying the artistic epochs of Greek, Roman, Gothic, and Renaissance art.
While the Ecole des Beaux-Arts typically remains closed to the public, there’s an opportunity to explore its treasures annually during the European Heritage Days, held every third weekend of September. This special occasion grants visitors a rare glimpse into the rich heritage and creative legacy housed within its storied halls.
Directions: 6th district – 6 Rue Bonaparte
Metro: Saint-Germain-des-Prés on Line 4
Coordinates: Lat 48.857214 – Long 2.334857
