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Bayonne’s Bonnat-Helleu Reopens After 14 Years, Showcasing a Revamped ‘Little Louvre

The overhaul expands galleries, cementing a Louvre-backed hub for Old Masters outside Paris.

Overview

  • The museum reopened to the public on November 27 following an inauguration on November 26 by Culture Minister Rachida Dati.
  • Exhibition space has doubled to about 2,500 m² across 22 rooms within a 7,000 m² facility that now includes offices, storage and a cafeteria.
  • Roughly 1,300 works are on view from a 7,000-piece collection, with about 95% restored, featuring Rembrandt, Rubens, Ingres and Goya.
  • Total renovation costs are reported between roughly €30 million and €35 million, including €7.3 million from the State and €11 million from the city with a seven-year loan.
  • The institution tightened security following reviews prompted by high-profile thefts, and leadership is aiming for 60,000 to 80,000 visitors annually.