Bibliothèque-musée l'Inguimbertine

About the museum

The Inguimbertine goes back to Malachie d’Inguimbert, Bishop of Carpentras, who gathered books, paintings, prints and antiquities brought back from Italy. In 1745 he opened his collections to the public. On his death in 1757 he bequeathed them to his fellow citizens, making the institution one of the first public cultural establishments in France.

In the 19th century the library-museum moved into the Hôtel d’Alleman, acquired a popular library and, in 1913, a museum devoted to popular arts and traditions. The collection received the “Musée de France” label in 2002.

The former Hôtel-Dieu, a hospital built from 1750 at the bishop’s initiative and listed as a historic monument, ceased operating in 2002. The City of Carpentras launched the project to house the Inguimbertine there in 2009. After works from 2014 to 2024, the multimedia library opened in 2017 and the museum in April 2024.

The permanent display features around 800 works. It includes a historical gallery on the Comtat Venaissin, a gallery of fine arts with artists from the region, and study cabinets where medieval manuscripts, incunabula and curiosities from the 18th and 19th centuries alternate.

Highlights

• Former 18th-century Hôtel-Dieu, listed as a historic monument
• Historical gallery on the Comtat Venaissin, former papal state
• Fine arts gallery with works by Duplessis, Bidauld, Valernes and Laurens
• Study cabinets with manuscripts, incunabula and Peiresc’s registers
• Monumental staircase and donors’ hall
• Free audio guide in several languages

Permanent exhibition

• Collections permanentes – A historical gallery devoted to the Comtat Venaissin, a fine arts gallery and study cabinets presenting books, paintings and curiosities from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Founded

1745

Operated by

Ville de Carpentras

Admission & discounts

Free admission: First Sunday of the month with the subscriber card of the multimedia library; Museum Night; European Heritage Days

Tickets are valid for the whole day. Free admission also for holders of the Carte Jeunes, the ICOM card and the tour guide card. Discount on presentation of a same-day TER SUD ticket or a ZOU! card for travel to Carpentras.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The whole building is listed as accessible to people with reduced mobility. The audio guides have an induction loop, and a visio-guide in French Sign Language is available. A rest area is located halfway along the route; seating sticks are lent free of charge at reception. Only guide dogs for the blind are admitted into the building.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities

Children under 11 enter free of charge; free baby-changing tables in the restrooms, and strollers are welcome. Family and children’s activities are listed in the museum’s calendar.

Getting there & parking

By car on the A7: exit 23 Avignon Nord (about 15 minutes) or exit 22 Orange Sud (about 20 minutes).

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Wi-Fi

Café in the former refectory, bookshop, free cloakroom on the garden level, a relaxation area and the Jardin des religieuses for a break. Free Wi-Fi via the city’s WIFI 4EU network.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Up to 200 guests.

Several spaces can be hired, for example the honour rooms, the multimedia library forum (up to 200 people each), the Jardin des religieuses, a lecture room and activity rooms. Visiting the collections is only possible outside opening hours.

Plan your visit