Musée d'Art et d'Histoire Baron Gérard (MAHB)

About the museum

Bayeux's collections began to take shape after the Revolution, when the town started acquiring works of art. In the 19th century the local archaeologist Arcisse de Caumont championed the preservation of heritage, and in 1842 the collections were brought together in the Galerie Mathilde, presented as a cabinet of curiosities.

In 1899, Henri-Alexandre Gérard, nephew of the painter François Gérard, gave 37 paintings to the town on condition that an independent art museum be set up, separate from the municipal library. The museum opened in 1901 in part of the former episcopal palace, which had become the town hall during the Revolution. Further gifts and bequests enriched it, including natural history and ethnographic objects, as well as Bayeux lace and porcelain.

The building incorporates parts of the bishop's palace dating from the 11th to 16th centuries, covering about 2,500 m² directly beside the cathedral. The museum closed on December 31, 2001, because it no longer met safety standards. After roughly 15 years of renovation, it reopened on March 23, 2013, as the MAHB, with the “Musée de France” label. The route has 14 sections, from prehistory to the 20th century.

Highlights

• Former bishop's palace from the 11th to 16th centuries beside the cathedral
• Collection of Bayeux lace
• Paintings bequeathed by Baron Gérard
• A route through 14 sections, from prehistory to the 20th century
• Remains of pointed-arch windows from the palace's former Gothic chapel

Permanent exhibitions

• Parcours permanent en quatorze sections – Collections of European art and local history, from prehistory to the 20th century.
• Dentelle de Bayeux – Collection of Bayeux lace, showcased along the route.

Founded

1901

Operated by

Ville de Bayeux

Admission & discounts

Tickets are sold only at the museum's ticket desks; there is no online sale or reservation for individual visitors. Payment by card, cash or cheque. Groups must book.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• 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

The museum is accessible to visitors with reduced mobility, with a lift and wheelchair loan. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are admitted; other animals are not. Large luggage is not allowed inside.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum is next to the cathedral in the historic centre, within walking distance of Bayeux's two other museums. By car from Caen: N13, exit 36.

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