The Musée Bonnat-Helleu: a cultural treasure steps away from Villa Koegui in Bayonne

An exceptional museum reborn after 14 years of transformation

Fourteen years of waiting for a spectacular renaissance: the Musée Bonnat-Helleu has finally reopened its doors in November 2025. This ambitious transformation has doubled its exhibition space, growing from 2,000 to 5,000 m². To achieve this, the architecture firm Brochet, Lajus and Pueyo annexed the former primary school of Petit Bayonne, creating a harmonious ensemble.

This reopening marks a major cultural event for the Basque Country. The museum now unveils nearly 1,200 works across a completely redesigned visitor route. Throughout the visit, the historic 19th-century skylights reappear while Giandomenico Facchina's mosaic in the patio is restored to its former glory.

The result honours the spirit of the original building while offering a contemporary experience.

From Villa Koegui, our 4-star hotel in Bayonne, you can reach this temple of art in just 2 minutes on foot.

Our exclusive offer: a stay at Villa Koegui with museum entry included

Villa Koegui is located just a few minutes' walk from the Musée Bonnat-Helleu, on rue Frédéric-Bastiat.

This proximity allows us to offer you a complete package combining accommodation and culture.

Your stay at our 4-star hotel in the Basque Country can therefore include your museum entry ticket, for a fully integrated cultural experience.

This package transforms your visit to the Basque Country into a true cultural stay. You enjoy the comfort of our charming Bayonne hotel and privileged access to the Musée Bonnat-Helleu, with no additional planning required on your part.

Collections among the most prestigious in France

The Musée Bonnat-Helleu holds nearly 7,000 works in total, of which 1,200 are on display in the new visitor route. This wealth of art makes it one of the most prestigious museums in France. It all began in 1891 when Léon Bonnat, a painter from Bayonne, bequeathed his personal collection to the city. This exceptional gift includes masterpieces by Spanish, Italian and French masters collected between 1880 and 1900.

The galleries of the Musée Bonnat-Helleu house major works by El Greco, Goya, Rubens, Rembrandt, Ingres and Degas. The museum also holds one of the finest collections of drawings in the world: more than 3,500 sheets by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Dürer and Rembrandt. To protect them from light exposure, these drawings are displayed on a rotating basis every three months.

Another major asset: the Louvre has entrusted 2,500 works to the Musée Bonnat-Helleu its largest deposit anywhere in France.

Practical information for your visit

The Musée Bonnat-Helleu is located at 5 rue Jacques-Laffitte, 64100 Bayonne, just a few minutes' walk from Villa Koegui.

The museum is open Monday to Sunday, except Tuesday.

Opening hours vary by day: Wednesday to Monday from 10am to 6pm, and Friday from 12pm to 8pm for an evening visit.

The entry fee is €19 per adult. If you are staying at Villa Koegui with our package including museum access, your ticket is already included in your booking. Simply present your confirmation at the entrance.

From our Basque Country hotel, allow less than 5 minutes on foot to reach the Musée Bonnat-Helleu.

You can also contact the museum directly on +33 5 59 46 63 60 for any specific questions about current exhibitions.

Extend your cultural visit at Le Carré restaurant

Your cultural day begins at Le Carré restaurant, on the ground floor of Villa Koegui.

Our breakfast buffet is served from 6:30am to 10am: coffee, tea, fresh pastries, fruit, and sweet and savoury options the perfect start before heading to the Musée Bonnat-Helleu.

If your museum visit ends close to midday, come and have lunch at Le Carré, Monday to Saturday. Our chef Charles Cez and his team work with Basque Country produce: pintxos, tapas and seasonal dishes.

For a Friday evening visit, our restaurant also welcomes you for dinner, Wednesday to Saturday.

Returning from the museum in the mid-afternoon? Settle in for a comforting snack with our homemade pastries, coffee or tea.

On Sundays, our brunch from 10:30am to 3pm perfectly rounds off your cultural weekend.

At Le Carré, Basque gastronomy naturally extends your artistic experience!