Musée d'Art Roger-Quilliot

The Musée d'Art Roger-Quilliot (MARQ) in Clermont-Ferrand is the city's primary art museum, housed in a renovated 17th-century Ursuline convent in the historic Montferrand district. The building features a striking architectural blend of ancient stone with modern light and glass, centered around an atrium that floods the space with natural light. The museum spans from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, organized chronologically to highlight artistic developments.

Key highlights include unique Romanesque and Gothic pieces from Auvergne, such as the 13th-century Virgins in Majesty and the Frise des abbés d'Ennezat. The 17th and 18th-century collections feature works by Philippe de Champaigne and local earthenware. The 19th-century section includes landscapes by Camille Corot and Thomas Degeorge, alongside historical paintings by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi. A major attraction is Bartholdi’s famous equestrian statue of Vercingetorix. The museum also houses figurative works from the "École de Paris" and pieces from the Maurice and Simone Combe donation.

The museum regularly hosts thematic exhibitions, events, and conferences. While specific opening hours and admission fees are not detailed in the current sources, the site offers a comprehensive journey through Auvergne’s artistic heritage. Visitors can explore rare Gallo-Roman artifacts, religious sculptures, and decorative arts. This cultural landmark provides a profound insight into the region's history and its connection to prominent European masters.