Art galleries on the island are generally of a commercial basis, focusing on contemporary art works by local Corsican artists, and can be found in the main towns. Much of the work displayed is stunning and depicts coastal scenery, and all is for sale.The principal art gallery of Corsica is without question the Fesch Museum (Musée Fesch) in Ajaccio, which boasts an enormous and extremely impressive permanent collection of quality Italian art originating from between the 14th and 19th centuries. Amongst the most famous paintings are works by acclaimed artists such as Botticelli, Raphael and Titian.
Fesch Museum (Musée Fesch)
Address: Rue Cardinal Fesch, Ajaccio, Corsica, France, FR
Tel: +33 0495 21 48 17
This interesting museum displays the expanded collection of Napoleon Bonaparte's uncle, Cardinal Fesch, and includes a Napoleonic exhibition. Early Baroque art from Italy, mainly Rome and Naples, is on display, and the sheer quantity and quality of historical Italian art rivals many a collection anywhere in Europe. A visit is strongly advised, with a final highlight being the important collection of historical volumes. Next door, the Imperial Chapel (Chapel Imperiale) may be of interest and dates from the mid-19th century.
Open: April, May, June and September, daily - 09:15 to 12:15 and 14:15 to 17:15, closed Monday morning; July and August, Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 18:30, closed Monday morning; Saturday and Sunday - 10:30 to 18:00
Admission: charge
Mediterranean Gallery (Galerie Mediterranee)
Address: Citadel, (Old Town), Bonifacio, Corsica, France, FR
Tel: +33 0495 73 59 09
This contemporary gallery has been established for more than ten years, and displays contemporary and modern art forms from paintings to sculptures. Situated close to the Tourist Office, visitors to the Galerie Mediterranee will discover an eclectic collection of stylish art works for sale, together with an outside terrace area overlooking the seafront and ancient fortifications.
Open: April to September, daily - hours vary
Admission: free
