Musée archéologique de Thésée

About the museum

The Musée archéologique de Thésée was set up between 1985 and 1987 and placed under the supervision of the Direction des Musées de France from the outset. It has borne the “Musée de France” designation since 2002. It occupies the entire second floor of the Vaulx Saint-Georges, a large bourgeois house from the early 19th century in a park open to the public; the first floor is reserved for the town hall.

The collections come from excavations carried out from 1960 to 1982 and from surface finds in the communes of Thésée, Pouillé and Monthou-sur-Cher. They evoke life in Tasciaca, an important Gallo-Roman vicus on the road from Tours to Bourges, listed on the Tabula Peutingeriana, which was a pottery production center far beyond local needs. The route presents clothing, jewelry, cooking, tools and coins, then pottery craft with its techniques and kilns.

Part of the museum is devoted to worship, with the fanum of Pouillé and its votive offerings, as well as to the major monuments of the Mazelles, a neighboring archaeological site. The panels, models and display cases are designed to be accessible to pupils from cycle 2 onward. The museum is too small to show all of its reserves, and access via the upper floor is difficult for some visitors. An extension project, with a move near the Mazelles site, is therefore under study, supported by the Direction des Musées de France.

Highlights

• Pottery collections produced at Tasciaca
• Models of Gallo-Roman kitchens and roofs
• Votive offerings from the fanum of Pouillé
• Gallo-Roman jewelry, brooches, tools and coins
• Presentation of the Mazelles monuments
• Tasciaca on the Tabula Peutingeriana

Founded

1987

Visitors per year

approx. 2,082

Admission & discounts

Rates valid from July 1 to August 31. Free admission for residents of Thésée, Pouillé and Monthou-sur-Cher, and for members of the Amis du musée association. Payment by cash or check.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• 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 is on the second floor of the building, which may make access difficult for some people. The site does not hold the Tourisme & Handicap label.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Playground / play area

Panels and models are designed for school audiences from cycle 2. A children’s area was set up in 2021; playground and outdoor games in the park. Visitor booklets for young people.

Getting there & parking

The museum is on the second floor of the town hall, in the Vaulx Saint-Georges park. From the A85 motorway, exit 12.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

Shop with postcards, figurines, jewelry and the museum’s publications. Picnic area; no food service on site.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit