Musée archéologique de Saintes
Museum in Saintes dedicated to Mediolanum Santonum, the Gallo-Roman city, with a rich collection of monumental statuary and everyday objects.
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About the museum
The museum presents the history of Mediolanum Santonum, the ancient name of Saintes, once the capital of the Roman province of Aquitania. The route introduces the city’s layout and everyday life some two thousand years ago.
The collections include one of the richest series of stone sculptures in France. They show elements of public monuments and private spaces from the first two centuries CE. Everyday objects are grouped by theme, such as domestic games, religion and food.
The museum was recently renovated. Graphic reconstructions and an interactive kiosk bring the monuments of the ancient city back to life, and seven major sculptures have been digitised in 3D so they can be viewed from every angle.
Highlights
- Gallo-Roman monumental statuary, among the richest in France
- Everyday objects: games, religion, food
- Graphic reconstructions and an interactive kiosk of the ancient city
- Seven major sculptures digitised in 3D
Permanent exhibitions
- Mediolanum Santonum, la ville antique – Plan and monuments of the Gallo-Roman city, graphic reconstructions and an interactive kiosk.
- Statuaire monumentale et vie quotidienne – Stone sculptures from the first two centuries and everyday objects arranged by theme.
- Founded
- 1815
- Operated by
- Ville de Saintes
- Visitors per year
- approx. 63,473
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €4Under 26, recipients of minimum social benefits, residents of Saintes, students, apprentices and people with disabilities. |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Free admission for under-18s. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €4companion free · The companion of a person with reduced mobility enters free. |
| Guided tour or workshop | €3Supplement to the admission ticket. |
Free admission: First Sunday of each month.
The ticket is a single pass valid for 7 days for the Saintes museums and the amphitheatre, with one visit per site. The reduced rate also applies to Pass Culture holders and members of cultural associations in Saintes.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Guide dogs and assistance dogs are admitted. The city’s website states that accessibility is only partially compliant.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 17 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
Under-18s enter free. The tourist office offers children’s workshops and treasure hunts (jeux de piste) in Saintes’ museums and sites.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
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 |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided tours and workshops are offered for an extra fee; book through the tourist office ticket desk. Animals are not allowed, except guide and assistance dogs. |
