Musée archéologique d'Izernore
Musée de France devoted to Gallo-Roman archaeology in Izernore, the ancient Isarnodurum, with a display designed like an excavation site.
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About the museum
The collections come from excavations carried out in Izernore and the surrounding area since the late 18th century. A first deposit was installed in 1863 in a room of the town hall. At the beginning of the 20th century, Émile Chanel rearranged the objects for public display and added pieces from villas and private donations.
The museum was officially opened on September 17, 1911. In 1966, the Groupe d’archéologie antique of the Touring club de France reinstalled the collections in a former classroom. Since 1982, the association Les Amis d’Izernore has presented them in the Maison Poizat. In 2003 the museum received the Musée de France label.
The route, designed by the agency Médiéval, shows jewellery, ceramics, coins, tools and architectural elements, grouped by themes such as Gaulish origins, exchanges with the Empire, crafts, agriculture and daily life in the vicus of Isarnodurum. The display follows an object from its discovery to its exhibition.
Highlights
- More than 500 Gallo-Roman objects from the ancient town of Isarnodurum
- Display designed like an excavation site, with an archaeologist’s office and a laboratory
- Cabinet of curiosities
- Activity booklets for children and a police-style investigation for adults
- Stone path to the ruins of the temple
Permanent exhibition
- Parcours permanent gallo-romain – More than 500 objects of everyday life, crafts and trade from the ancient town of Isarnodurum, shown in a display designed like an excavation site and a laboratory.
- Founded
- 1911
- Visitors per year
- approx. 4,976
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €4 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Free admission for under-18s. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Free admission for people with disabilities and their companion. |
| Students & apprentices | freeFree admission for students. |
| Groups (8+ people) | €2 per personPer-person rate for adult groups of 8 or more, by reservation; free for children’s groups. |
| Guided tour (admission included), free for under-18s | €7 |
| Guided tour for adult groups of 8 or more | €5 |
| Educational workshop per child | €5 |
| Museum birthday party, per child (5 to 12 people) | €5 |
Free admission also for holders of the Pass Culture, teachers, culture and tourism professionals, holders of the Pass’Découverte de l’Ain, and the press. Payment by cash or check only.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials
- Audio description: no information
The ground floor, where the temporary exhibition is held, is wheelchair accessible. The permanent collection is upstairs at the top of a staircase and is accessible neither by wheelchair nor by stroller. One parking space is reserved right next to the museum. An easy-read booklet is available as a PDF or at reception, and videos with French subtitles play at reception. The guided tour “Vestiges du temps” can be adapted on request.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 30 min |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 17 |
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Stroller-friendly: not available
- Kids’ birthday parties
Game booklet for ages 4 to 10, police investigation booklet from age 10 (about one hour), a foldout family game for the Chemin des pierres, workshops during school holidays and birthday parties at the museum. The permanent collection is upstairs and not accessible by stroller.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
One parking space beside the museum is reserved for visitors with reduced mobility.
- Accessible parking
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Self-guided visit of the permanent route, about 30 minutes. Guided tours are offered from time to time, covering the temple remains and the collections. The “Chemin des pierres” links the museum to the temple ruins, with seven information panels. |
