Palais des Beaux-ArtsThe striking, ornate 19th-century building which houses Lille's renowned museum of fine arts is a masterpiece in itself, but inside the building is a treasure-trove for art lovers, second only to the Louvre in Paris. The gallery features works by Goya, Donatello, Raphael, and Rubens to name just a few of the masters represented. There are also a number of works by French artists, including three major items: Belisarius Asking for Alms by David; After Dinner at Ornans by Courbet; and Sleep by Puvis de Chavannes. Although the museum contains mainly paintings
there are also some collections of ceramics, relief maps and a large section of Italian and French drawings.
Address: Place de la République
Phone Number: (0)3 2006 7800
Transport: Metro to République station
Hours: Monday 2pm to 6pm; Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 6pm; Friday 10am to 7pm. Closed Tuesdays
Admission: EUR5 (adults), EUR3 (concessions). Free on the first Sunday of each month
Musée des MoulinsSomething different that appeals particularly to the mechanically minded is Lille's museum devoted to windmills. Situated on the highway to Roubaix the site boasts two preserved, working pivoting windmills which visitors can watch in operation grinding corn, as well as a museum detailing the history of windmill technology.
Address: Rue Albert Samain, Villeneuve d'Ascq
Phone Number: (0)3 2005 4934
Transport: Metro to Pont de Bois station, then bus 41 to the Parc Urbain
Hours: Monday to Friday 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 5pm. Closed Saturdays, bank holidays, during August and from 15 December to 15 January
Admission: EUR6
Natural History MuseumParticularly enjoyed by children, Lille's natural history museum has been drawing the crowds since it opened in 1822. Featuring interesting displays of extinct species, two huge whale skeletons, insectariums and geology collections, the museum is both educational and fun.
Address: 19 Rue de Bruxelles
Phone Number: (0)3 2855 3080
Transport: Bus 13 or 14, or metro to République or Mairie de Lille stations
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 9am to 12pm, and 2pm to 5pm; Sunday 10am to 5pm
Admission: Free on weekdays; Sundays EUR2.50; EUR3 for temporary exhibitions
Open Air MuseumTravel back in time with a visit to Lille's living museum, which is a recreation of a local village in days of yore. The site covers 10 hectares and visitors can explore thatched cottages, traditional farmhouses, seed barns and rural craft workshops where artisans demonstrate old skills.
Address: 143 Rue Colbert, Villeneuve dAscq
Phone Number: (0)3 2005 5941
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday 11am to 7pm (June to October)
Admission: EUR5
Notre-Dame de la Treille CathedralA modern architectural wonder, Lille's cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary is an imposing homogenous structure, begun as a basilica in 1854 in 13th century Gothic style. Building continued slowly, interrupted by wars and financial constraints, but finally in 1999 the lofty building was declared complete after the completion of the unique main façade, designed by local architect Pierre-Louis Carlier in collaboration with Peter Rice, who engineered the Sydney Opera House. The central marble section supported by steel wires is an impressive sight, particularly viewed from inside or at night, when it is revealed as resembling a pink translucent veil.
Address: 12 Rue Jean Moulin, off rue de la Monnaie
Hours: Open daily 10am to 7pm (early closing at 6pm in winter)
Admission: Free
Hospice ComtesseIn the heart of Lille's old town stands one of the few remaining Flanders buildings founded as a hospital in 1237 by the Countess of Flanders, Jeanne de Constantinople. It remained in service as a hospital until 1939, and today has been turned into an art museum, works displayed in the old hospital ward with its barrel-vaulted ceiling and other halls where the community of Augustine nuns once lived and worked, providing a haven for the sick. Outside there is a delightful medicinal garden. The collections on display include paintings, tapestries, sculpture and porcelain from the region.
Address: 32 Rue de la Monnaie
Phone Number: (0)3 2836 8400
Transport: Bus 3, 6 or 9, or Metro to Lion d'Or
Hours: Monday 2pm to 6pm, Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 6pm. Closed Tuesdays
Admission: EUR3; free on the first Sunday of every month
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Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
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