Musée archéologique d'Argentomagus

About the museum

The Argentomagus museum was inaugurated on June 26, 1990, on the Mersans plateau in Saint-Marcel, near Argenton-sur-Creuse. It presents a journey of more than one million years, from prehistory to the end of the Roman period. The prehistoric finds are displayed in chronological order, those of the Gallo-Roman period by theme, with reconstructions, models, films and animations designed for a non-specialist audience.

The 2,400 m² building has three levels. The entrance is on the second floor, reached by a gentle ramp, with a viewing platform overlooking the Roman site. Suspended helical ramps attached to the steel frame of the roof also serve as exhibition spaces and lead down to the crypt in the basement. Photovoltaic glazing covers part of the façades. Twenty years after the opening, major works renewed the façades and interiors in 2011.

Beside the museum lies the ancient settlement of Argentomagus, about 70 hectares, which developed from a Gallic oppidum. It includes the forum and basilica, a sanctuary, a theater, baths, necropolises and a Roman garden. The archaeological site can be visited freely, and the museum’s collections complete the visit.

Highlights

• Chronological route from prehistory to the Gallo-Roman period
• Helical ramps and crypt at the heart of the building
• Viewing platform over the Roman site
• Neighboring archaeological site with forum, theater and baths
• Roman garden and ancient plants

Permanent exhibition

• Parcours permanent du musée archéologique – Chronological route from prehistory to the end of the Roman period, with reconstructions, models and audiovisual animations.

Founded

1990

Operated by

Communauté de communes Éguzon-Argenton-Vallée de la Creuse

Visitors per year

approx. 21,817

Admission & discounts

The full rate of €8 and the reduced rate of €5 are presented by the museum as a single ticket for Argentomagus and the Musée de la Chemiserie. The archaeological site is free. Free admission on proof for teachers on Wednesdays outside school holidays, journalists, ICOM members, Ministry of Culture staff and members of the museum’s friends associations, as well as school classes from the Indre department. The first Sunday of July and the first Sunday of August charge admission.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• 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 museum states that it is not accessible to people with disabilities and is working to improve this.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Shop with books, postcards, replicas of objects from the site, games and merchandise.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit