Musée Asiatica
Private museum in Biarritz devoted to the art of India, Nepal, Tibet and China, with a large collection of statues, paintings and jewellery.
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About the museum
The Musée Asiatica was founded by Michel Postel, a native of Biarritz, and Xintian Zhu, who holds a doctorate in art history and the archaeology of the Far East and serves as its curator. Michel Postel had lived in India from the late 1940s and began gathering works of art from India, Nepal, Tibet and China there.
The project was prepared between 1997 and 1999, and the museum opened in March 1999. It presents itself as an independent museum.
In the 1980s the building housed an optoelectronics centre, used for an experiment in fibre-optic telecommunications linking several hundred households in Biarritz. When it was converted into a museum, this architecture was kept, taking care not to alter the premises.
The route is organised by region and theme: prehistory of the Indus valley, Greco-Buddhist art, Jainism, Hindu sculpture, Tibet and Lamaist Buddhism, Nepal, China, as well as jewellery and miniatures.
Highlights
- Greco-Buddhist art and Hindu sculpture from India
- Thangkas, ritual objects and masks from Tibet and Nepal
- Collections from imperial China, Daoism and Chinese Buddhism
- Indian jewellery and miniatures
- Free puzzle booklet for children
Permanent exhibitions
- Inde – From the prehistoric cultures of the Indus to Greco-Buddhist art, Jainism and Hindu sculpture, with decorative arts and jewellery as well.
- Tibet et Népal – Objects of Lamaist Buddhism, painted textiles and masks linked to shamanism.
- Chine – From prehistoric cultures to imperial China, with evidence of Daoism and Buddhism.
- Founded
- 1999
- Operated by
- Musée indépendant (collection privée)
- Director
- Xintian Zhu (conservatrice)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €10 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €8Young people aged 13 to 25, students, people with disabilities and job seekers |
| Children & teens | €2free up to age 7 · €2 rate for children aged 8 to 12; free under 8. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €8companion free |
| Students & apprentices | €8 |
| Groups (12+ people) | €8 per personGroup rate for the guided tour of about one hour, from 12 people. |
Young people aged 15 to 18 can enter free with the Pass Culture. The Synergies card gives €3 off for adults and young people. Tickets can be bought on site or online.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- 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 holds the Tourisme et Handicap label. A ramp and a lift make access easier, and there is a drop-off point on the esplanade. Strollers are welcome.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 7 |
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Stroller-friendly
A family tour of about 1 hour 30 minutes focuses on fantastic animals, Himalayan masks and figures such as Ganesha. Children receive a free puzzle booklet, and each floor has a creative corner with coloured pencils and worksheets.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Guy Petit ou Floquet
Bus line 36 and free N11 shuttle
By car
Free parking · 50 m to the entrance
Free Floquet car park, opposite the museum.
The museum is behind the Gare du Midi, about 10 minutes’ walk from the town centre and the beach. The SNCF station and the airport are about 2 km away, and the A63 motorway exit about 3 km.
Get directionsAmenities & 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 · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes (FR, EN, ES) |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The audio guide is free via the izi.travel app. Guided tours are offered to groups, on request by email or phone. The museum has no air conditioning. |
