Cité de l’accordéon et des patrimoines

About the museum

The Cité de l’accordéon et des patrimoines is a cultural facility run by the city of Tulle, whose collections hold the Musée de France label. It opened on April 6, 2024, in the former Banque de France branch in the historic town centre. It partly takes over the collections of the city's former museums, including the Musée du Cloître, permanently closed in January 2022, and the Musée des Armes.

The architecture firm Terreneuve transformed the building while respecting the existing structure. Two contemporary extensions were added, housing an auditorium as well as a lift and staircase for accessibility. The forecourt, terrace and garden complete the site.

The museum offers around 850 m² of exhibition space and more than 700 objects, spread across three permanent trails: the accordion, hand-made poinct de Tulle lace, and the Tulle Arms Manufactory, which was active from 1690 to 2006. About a hundred objects can be listened to with the audioguide.

Highlights

• Accordion trail with the reconstructed Cayla shop from Paris
• Hand-made poinct de Tulle lace, with samples to touch
• Tulle Arms Manufactory trail (1690–2006)
• Audioguide in French, English and Occitan, plus a family version
• About 850 m² of exhibition space in the former Banque de France

Permanent exhibitions

• Parcours accordéon – History and workings of the instrument, from its making to records, sheet music and stage costumes, with the reconstructed Cayla shop.
• Parcours poinct de Tulle – Hand-made and needle lace practised in Tulle since the 17th century, with antique pieces and creations by artists in residence since 2017.
• Parcours Manufacture d’armes de Tulle – History of the arms manufactory (1690–2006) and its industrial and workers' heritage: weapons, tools, archives and the memory of the workers.

Founded

2024

Operated by

Ville de Tulle

Admission & discounts

The ticket includes an audioguide, subject to availability. Reduced and free rates require proof at the reception. Free entry also for school groups from Tulle, job seekers and recipients of minimum social benefits, Pass Cité holders and certain professional cards. Payment in cash, by cheque, bank card or ANCV holiday vouchers.

Accessibility

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

The museum is accessible to people with reduced mobility, with a lift and a ramp on the forecourt. Wheelchairs and folding chairs are lent at the reception (14 in total, subject to availability). Induction loop at the reception, audioguides compatible with hearing aids, films mostly subtitled in French. Visits in French Sign Language on request for deaf groups. Tactile devices, magnifying glass, large-print texts to download and an easy-read guide in French. The museum holds the Tourisme et Handicap label for motor, hearing and intellectual disabilities. Visually impaired visitors are invited to come with a companion, as some rooms are dark. Dogs are not admitted, except assistance dogs.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Kids’ birthday parties

Free entry for under-26s and family rate. Narrated audioguide for children from age 6, discovery booklet to take away, objects to handle, and activities and meetings for families and young audiences. Changing table in the toilets; birthday snack possible.

Getting there & parking

By car: exit 20 of the A89. Electric vehicle charging points at the Saint-Pierre, Gabriel-Péri and Citéa car parks.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

The Cité's shop. Left-luggage with individual coded lockers; backpacks and large bags are not allowed in the trails. Forecourt with steps (picnics allowed), terrace and garden.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Up to 93 guests.

120 m² auditorium opening onto the garden, with up to 80 seats or a maximum of 93 people, for cultural activities (concert, performance, lecture, meeting). Evening private visit option for companies, works councils or associations, with guided tour and audioguides. Requests at least two months in advance.

Plan your visit