MUba Eugène Leroy

MUba Eugène-Leroy is an art museum showcasing the works of French painter Eugène Leroy alongside works by other artists. Established in 1869, the museum underwent extensive renovations in the 20th century, expanding its collection and exhibition spaces.

The main attraction for visitors is Leroy’s distinctive approach to figurative painting, characterised by his use of thick impasto layers and a subdued colour palette. Additionally, the museum’s surroundings provide a tranquil setting for art enthusiasts to explore Leroy’s works and discover other artworks.

The museum was formerly known as the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tourcoing and was renamed in 2009, following a large donation of Leroy’s works made by his two sons.

What to see at MUba Eugène Leroy

The museum’s permanent collection features a diverse array of Leroy’s paintings, showcasing his unique approach to figurative art. Leroy is renowned for his use of thick impasto layers and a subdued colour palette, which create a sense of depth and texture in his works. Visitors can immerse themselves in Leroy’s contemplative world, exploring the evolution of his style and technique over the years.

In addition to Leroy’s works, MUba Eugène Leroy also displays works by other artists with an extensive collection dating from the 16th century to the present day.

Temporary exhibitions

In addition to its permanent collection, MUba Eugène Leroy also hosts a programme of temporary exhibitions and around half the museum’s space is set aside for these exhibitions. Current and planned exhibitions include:

Entrelacer: Collections du MUba
This exhibition (until 1 September 2025) explores painting from the 17th century to today, alongside the museum’s history and a display testing the balance between works from different periods. Two galleries offer contrasting perspectives. One examines movement through artistic gestures, rhythm and space. The other presents a chronological selection of key paintings from the MUba collection, tracing the museum’s development since 1860. Works by Eugène Leroy feature throughout.

Eugène Leroy 1980–2000
This exhibition (3 October 2025 – February 2026) traces the final two decades of Eugène Leroy’s career, presenting paintings and drawings from the MUba collection and external loans. During these years, his work became increasingly complex, focusing on light, seasons and influences from Nicolas Poussin and Piet Mondrian. While the female nude remained central, new models appeared, and his use of charcoal and gouache expanded. The exhibition also explores his artistic connections, exhibitions he visited and the wider cultural context of 1980–2000.

Visiting MUba Eugene Leroy

MUba Eugène Leroy is in Tourcoing in Lille’s suburbs, 12.5km northeast of the centre of Lille and just 2.5km from the Belgian border. It is close to Colbert and Tourcoing Centre metro stations, which are both a six-minute walk from the museum, and you can also take a tram to Tourcoing Centre.

The museum is open year-round but is closed on Tuesdays and public holidays. It sometimes also closes between exhibitions.

Admission is €9 with discounted entry for visitors aged between 18 and 25 and for those aged over 65. It is free to visit with the Lille City Pass and it is also free of charge for those younger than 18.

Visitor facilities include a gift shop and a cafe, Bistro Papillons.

Allow 1–2 hours for your visit.

2, rue Paul Doumer, 59200 Tourcoing
Metro Colbert (line 2), Tourcoing Centre (line 2) Tram T (stop: Tourcoing Centre) Bus CITT, Z1 (stop: Conservatoire); 84, 87, 89, C8, L4 (stop: Hôtel de Ville)
Website www.muba-tourcoing.fr
Admission €9, young people (18–25) €6, seniors (over 65) €6, children (under 18) free, free with the Lille City Pass, free with la C’ART
Open Mon & Wed–Fri 11am–6pm, Sat–Sun 1pm–7pm