Forum antique de Bavay

About the museum

The Forum antique de Bavay is on the site of Bagacum, a Gallo-Roman city whose forum is considered the largest Roman forum in France. The archaeological site covers about 2.5 hectares and is a listed historic monument. The first discoveries date back to the 18th century, with an inscription recalling the passage of Emperor Tiberius, followed in 1790 by the Trépied de Bacchus.

From 1936 to 1976, Canon Henri Biévelet directed the excavations, mainly around the cryptoportico. After the town was bombed in 1940, it was decided not to rebuild on the site of the forum and to continue the research. In 1969 the Trésor des bronzes was discovered, a collection of about 370 metal objects that became one of the major finds in Roman Gaul. The current museum was built in 1976, right next to the site.

In 2022 the cryptoportico was covered by a large 6,400 m² structure. The covered route allows visitors to see Roman remains preserved to a height of more than ten metres, with light effects, soundscapes and interpretation stations.

The museum holds nearly 60,000 objects in its storerooms, of which about 800 are on display. Bronzes, jewellery, mosaics, pottery, glassware and funerary stelae illustrate the daily life, religion and funerary rites of Bagacum.

Highlights

• The largest Roman forum in France, under a covered route
• Trésor des bronzes, discovered in 1969, with the statuette of Jupiter
• About 800 objects on display: mosaics, jewellery, pottery, stelae
• Commented 3D projection of the forum as it stood 2,000 years ago
• Roman garden and picnic area

Permanent exhibitions

• Musée et collections permanentes – About 800 objects from the daily and religious life of Bagacum, including the Trésor des bronzes with its statuette of Jupiter.
• Site archéologique et parcours couvert – Remains of the Roman forum under a monumental covering, with the cryptoportico, light effects and interpretation stations.

Founded

1976

Operated by

Département du Nord

Visitors per year

approx. 40,068

Admission & discounts

Free admission: First Sunday of each month; Museum Night; European Heritage Days

The Roman garden is accessible without a ticket. Reduced rates or free admission apply under certain conditions and are displayed at the museum entrance.

Accessibility

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

The covered route of the archaeological site is accessible to strollers and visitors with reduced mobility. Wheelchairs and lightweight strollers are admitted to the museum. The site offers a reception service for deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Kids’ birthday parties

Holiday workshops for ages 7 to 12 (€8 per child) and birthday parties for ages 7 to 12 (€80 per group of up to ten children, with one adult). Workshops for ages 3 to 6 are available for school classes.

Getting there & parking

The site offers a bike ride to download from the Baladavesnois app, starting from Bavay.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Coat check

Shop and lounge area with paid vending machines and a water fountain in the entrance hall. Free cloakroom. Picnic area and Roman garden.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit