National Limoges porcelain Museum (Musée national des Beaux-Arts de Limoges)

The Adrien Dubouché National Porcelain Museum in Limoges houses the world’s largest public collection of Limoges porcelain, featuring over 18,000 ceramic works. The museum traces the evolution of the art form from Antiquity to the present day. It is located in an Italian-style palace built in the early 1990s, a landmark constructed following the 1768 discovery of kaolin clay near Limoges, which established the city as an international reference for high-quality porcelain. The museum was founded in 1845 by Tiburce Morisot and taken over in 1865 by Adrien Dubouché, who enriched the collections and gave the museum its current name.

The building features an innovative contemporary facade made of glass and porcelain. It underwent a significant renovation in 2012 to harmonize historical heritage with modern spaces. The museum is open daily except Tuesdays, from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm to 5:45 pm. It is closed on December 25 and January 1. General admission is €7, with reduced rates of €5 for groups. Entry is free for visitors under 26, teachers, the unemployed, RSA beneficiaries, and on the first Sunday of every month. Tickets are valid all day and include access to temporary exhibitions.

The museum is fully accessible for people with disabilities and offers luggage lockers. Joint discounts are available with the Bernardaud manufactory and Le Four des Casseaux museum. The Limoges City Pass provides free access to permanent collections. Activities can be booked via the agency Cultival. This institution offers a profound insight into the artistic and industrial heritage of Limoges, making it an essential stop for travelers interested in ceramics and French decorative arts.