LaM

LaM or Lille Métropole Musée d’art moderne, d’art contemporain et d’art brut (the Lille Métropole Museum of Modern, Contemporary and Outsider Art), offers a comprehensive exploration of 20th and 21st-century artistic movements. Set in a modernist building with a sculpture park, it showcases iconic works by modern masters, contemporary art, and outsider art.

It is one of the most important museums of modern and contemporary art in northern Europe.

What to see at LaM

LaM (Lille Métropole Musée d’art moderne, d’art contemporain et d’art brut) houses a diverse collection spanning modern, contemporary and outsider art, with displays of artworks by both established masters and self-taught visionaries.

The museum’s collection features iconic works by 20th-century masters like Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, Amedeo Modigliani and Fernand Léger. Visitors can explore cubist masterpieces and expressive Fauvist brushstrokes, gaining insight into revolutionary artistic movements of the early 20th century.

The museum also showcases lesser-known yet significant figures, offering insights into abstract art and sculptures that add whimsy to the collection.

LaM’s dedication to outsider art, or art brut, highlights works by self-taught individuals outside the traditional art world, providing a unique perspective on human experience through inventive and emotionally intense creations.

The museum’s sculpture park features large-scale sculptures, offering a tranquil environment for contemplation amidst a natural environment.

Temporary exhibitions at LaM

In addition to its permanent collection, LaM hosts a programme of temporary exhibitions that explore specific themes, artists or movements, providing fresh perspectives on art.

Visiting LaM

LaM is in a natural setting adjoining a large park in Villeneuve d’Ascq in Lille’s suburbs, around 6.5km east of Lille’s city centre. The suburban location means that there is not much else of interest nearby other than the Musée des Moulins Jean Bruggerman.

It takes around half an hour to get here by public transport. As there is no metro station nearby, a visit involves taking the metro and then taking a bus the remainder of the way. There are several transport options including taking the metro to Pont de Bois and then either bus route 6 or 32, taking the metro to Fort de Mons followed by bus 6 or taking the metro to Jean Jaurès followed by bus 32.

The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday.

The admission charge is reasonable considering the size and importance of this museum and entry is free of charge if you have la C’ART or the Lille City Pass. A higher admission fee applies to temporary exhibitions.

Visitor facilities include a gift shop and a cafe. The cafe, la Guinguette du parc, serves drinks and light meals including gourmet sandwiches and salads.

Allow 2–3 hours for your visit plus travel time to and from the suburban location in Villeneuve d’Ascq.

1, allée du Musée, 59650 Villeneuve d’Ascq
Metro Pont de Bois (line 1), then bus 6 or 62; Fort de Mons (line 2), then bus 6; Jean Jaurès (line 2), then bus 32
Admission to permanent collection €7, students €5, young people (aged 18–26) €5, seniors (over 65) €5, children (under 18) free, free with la C’ART, free with Lille City Pass
Admission to temporary exhibitions €11, students €8, young people (aged 18–26) €8, seniors (over 65) €8, children (under 18) free
Open LaM is closed for maintenance and is expected to reopen in early 2026