1. What is the Grand Tour, the focus of the Turner exhibition in Lille?

Long before city breaks became popular, the Grand Tour was a long journey across Europe, particularly favoured by young British aristocrats in the 17th and 18th centuries. From France to Italy, via the Alps, these journeys also inspired artists. William Turner and his contemporaries discovered new landscapes, new light and a different way of depicting the world.

2. What works can visitors see in the ‘Voyage à l’anglaise’ exhibition?

The exhibition brings together nearly 90 works from the Tate’s collections , including paintings, drawings and watercolours. Alongside William Turner , several British artists present their perspectives on European landscapes. An artistic journey in which light, colour and atmosphere play a central role.

3. Why is William Turner regarded as a master of light?

William Turner (1775–1851) revolutionised landscape painting by placing exceptional emphasis on light, colour and atmospheric phenomena. Mists, storms, sunsets and reflections became subjects in their own right. His works, which were at times almost abstract, paved the way for new ways of depicting nature.

4. Is the Turner exhibition at the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Lille suitable for children?

Yes, the exhibition is perfect for families! The landscapes, colours and play of light offer plenty of opportunities to spark the curiosity of the youngest visitors. To make the most of your visit, find out about the guided tours and workshops organised by the Palais des Beaux-Arts, particularly during the school holidays. And why not extend your visit to the museum’s new children’s area ?

5. Can one find landscapes in the Lille metropolitan area that are reminiscent of Turner’s paintings?

What if Turner had set up his easel here? Between the reflections on the Deûle, the vast skies of Les Weppes and the shifting light of the metropolitan countryside, certain landscapes are strikingly reminiscent of the British painter’s world. Discover our selection of photographs juxtaposed with his works in ‘Through Turner’s Eyes’ , an invitation to explore the city in a new light.

A British Journey: William Turner and the Artists of the “Grand Tour” From 20 November 2026 to 22 March 2027

From 20 November 2026 to 22 March 2027, Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille takes us on a grand journey across Europe in the company of William Turner and the British artists of the “Grand Tour”.

France, the Alps, Italy… Through nearly 90 works from the Tate collections, discover how travel transformed the way British artists saw the world and left a lasting mark on landscape painting.

Watercolours, drawings, changing light and distant horizons: with Voyage à l’anglaise. Turner et les artistes du « Grand Tour », there’s no need for a passport.

Your journey begins at Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille.

What is the “Voyage à l’anglaise” exhibition all about?

Long before city breaks, spontaneous train bookings and photo albums filled in a single weekend, there was the Grand Tour.

From the 18th century onwards, young Britons from privileged backgrounds travelled across Europe to complete their education and discover its landscapes, history and masterpieces. France, the Alps and, above all, Italy became essential stops on these lengthy journeys.

Artists took to the road too.

Faced with unfamiliar landscapes, different qualities of light and the changing atmosphere of the seasons, their ways of seeing and depicting the world began to evolve. Sketchbooks, drawings and watercolours became their travelling companions.

The exhibition tells the story of this artistic adventure, revealing how these journeys profoundly transformed British landscape painting between the 18th and mid-19th centuries.

I'm off!

Turner, A great traveller and master of landscape painting

At the heart of the exhibition is William Turner (1775–1851).

Famous for landscapes in which light, colour and the elements sometimes seem to take centre stage, Turner was also a tireless traveller.

Like other British artists of his time, he explored Europe, observing everything around him: mountains, cities, ruins, rivers, skies and their ever-changing moods.

For Turner, travel became an extraordinary opportunity for artistic experimentation.

Alongside his work, the exhibition introduces several other British artists who helped reinvent landscape painting, including John Robert Cozens, Francis Towne and Thomas Jones.

Nearly 90 works from the Tate in Lille

One of the exhibition’s biggest attractions is the arrival in Lille of nearly 90 works from the Tate collections.

Works on paper, drawings and watercolours take pride of place. These techniques were particularly well suited to working outdoors and to the growing desire to capture a landscape, a particular light or an atmosphere in the moment.

From France to Italy via the Alps, the exhibition follows the artists along Europe’s roads, revealing, work by work, the emergence of a new way of looking at landscape.

A journey within a journey, you might say.

Dates and opening times for the Turner exhibition in Lille

From 20 November 2026 to 22 March 2027

The museum is open:

on Mondays from 2 pm to 6 pm;
Wednesday to Sunday from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm;
closed on Tuesdays.

Remember to check opening times and any exceptional closures before your visit.

What exactly was the “Grand Tour”?

Travel guidebooks weren’t around yet, but the desire to explore Europe certainly was.

From the 17th century, and particularly throughout the 18th century, the Grand Tour became an important part of the education of many young British aristocrats. Over several months, sometimes even years, they travelled across the continent to discover its great cities, monuments, landscapes and ancient ruins.

Paris, the Alps, Venice, Florence, Rome and Naples were among the most popular stops.

As transport improved during the 19th century, travel gradually became more accessible and routes began to change. For artists, this new access to Europe inspired fresh experiments and profoundly transformed the way landscapes were represented.

Experience the exhibition in a different way

Fancy going beyond a traditional museum visit?

Alongside the exhibition, Palais des Beaux-Arts offers guided tours, short introductory tours and hands-on workshops, particularly on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Additional activities are also available during school holidays.

It’s a chance to take a closer look at Turner and his contemporaries, understand their techniques and, above all, discover how travelling a few thousand kilometres changed the history of landscape painting.

As you explore the museum, you’ll also be able to discover the monumental works of Sheila Hicks.

20Nov

Conférence inaugurale avec David Blayney-Brown

28Oct

Sheila Hicks - Au-delà

Your questions about the exhibition, answered

1. What is the Grand Tour, the focus of the Turner exhibition in Lille?
2. What works can visitors see in the ‘Voyage à l’anglaise’ exhibition?
3. Why is William Turner regarded as a master of light?
4. Is the Turner exhibition at the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Lille suitable for children?
Yes, the exhibition is perfect for families! The landscapes, colours and play of light offer plenty of opportunities to spark the curiosity of the youngest visitors. To make the most of your visit, find out about the guided tours and workshops organised by the Palais des Beaux-Arts, particularly during the school holidays. And why not extend your visit to the museum’s new children’s area ?
5. Can one find landscapes in the Lille metropolitan area that are reminiscent of Turner’s paintings?

What if Turner inspired you to explore Lille?

After travelling across Europe in Turner’s footsteps, why not continue the journey beyond the museum?

Palais des Beaux-Arts is right in the heart of Lille, with the city centre and Vieux-Lille just a few minutes’ walk away. The perfect opportunity to extend your day with a little heritage, some great places to eat, more exhibitions and a few well-deserved breaks.

And since Turner had a soft spot for landscapes and changing light, keep your eyes open as you wander. Lille’s skies know a thing or two about putting on a show!

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