Le Doyenné
Modern and contemporary art space in Brioude, housed in the former medieval deanery and its 13th-century armorial ceiling.
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About the museum
Le Doyenné is a medieval mansion in the old town of Brioude, very close to the Basilica of Saint-Julien. It formed part of the defences of the sanctuary. In 1254, the dean of the chapter, Odilon III de Mercœur, began its reconstruction. His successor, Gaucelin de la Garde, had a painted and carved ceiling of sixteen beams made on the second floor, adorned with 122 coats of arms of families from Auvergne, Velay and Gévaudan, as well as hunting scenes and fantastic animals. This armorial ceiling has been a listed historic monument since 1965.
The building, long unstable, was restored over two years to become an exhibition space. A large oak staircase was recreated, and access is through a glazed extension on the west façade.
Since 2018, the association Le Doyenné has designed and organised the exhibitions. Each summer, it presents works by major 20th-century artists, such as Chagall, Miró, Picasso, Dubuffet or Hartung, and has welcomed more than 240,000 visitors since 2018. The association also runs an artothèque (art lending library).
Highlights
- 13th-century armorial ceiling, listed as a historic monument, with 122 coats of arms
- Medieval mansion near the Basilica of Saint-Julien
- Major summer exhibitions devoted to leading modern artists
- 45-minute guided tour
- Art lending library (artothèque)
Permanent exhibition
- Plafond armorié du Doyenné – Medieval painted and carved ceiling of sixteen beams, with 122 coats of arms and a bestiary of fantastic creatures, listed as a historic monument.
- Founded
- 2018
- Operated by
- Association Le Doyenné
- Visitors per year
- approx. 48,525
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €8 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €4Under 18, people with disabilities, job seekers (with proof) |
| Children & teens | €4free up to age 9 · €4 for children under 18; free for children under 10. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €4With proof. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €6 per personRate of €6 for groups from 10 people; school groups free of charge. |
| Intermediate rate | €6Residents of the Brioude community of communes, visitors of certain partner sites (Hôtel de la Dentelle, Maison du Saumon, Château Lafayette, Abbaye de la Chaise-Dieu, Basilique Saint-Julien) and holders of certain cards, with proof. |
| Guided tour (in addition to admission) | €5Booking required; duration 45 minutes, in French, for 2 to 20 people. |
Free admission for children under 10, school groups, members of the Cercle des Amis, holders of the ICOM card and of the Pass'Région Jeunes, with proof. Young people aged 15 to 18 can pay with the Pass Culture. Payment by cash, cheque, bank card or chèques-vacances.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- 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
Ramp to the building, lift serving all floors and wheelchair available on site.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Gare SNCF de Brioude
SNCF railway station of Brioude; from Clermont-Ferrand, connection by TER.
By car
Free parking
Free car parks: Centre historique car park (235 spaces), place du Postel and place de la Liberté (160 spaces), place Champanne and place de la Résistance (100 spaces), Burin des Roziers car park (74 spaces).
The Doyenné is located on place Lafayette in Brioude, 71 km from Clermont-Ferrand, 58 km from Le Puy-en-Velay and 132 km from Saint-Étienne.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Coat check
Free cloakroom. Backpacks, suitcases and oversized luggage are not accepted; strollers can be left at reception.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 45 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Filming is prohibited in the exhibition rooms; flash, selfie sticks and other lighting devices are not allowed. |
| Good to know | Guided tours of 45 minutes in French for 2 to 20 people, departing at 10:00, 10:15, 11:00, 11:15, 14:00, 14:15, 15:00, 15:15, 16:00, 16:15, 17:00 and 17:15; booking on site, online, by phone or by email. Each exit from the building is final; bags are visually checked at the entrance. |
