Musée d'Archéologie nationale

About the museum

The museum was founded in 1862 by Napoleon III to bring together the archaeological evidence of the national territory, from prehistory to the Carolingian period. It was first called the Musée des Antiquités nationales and was installed in the château of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, a former royal residence that the emperor had restored.

The château, whose medieval core dates from the 14th century, was rebuilt under Francis I and enlarged with the Château-Neuf under Henry IV. The museum holds collections assembled by 19th-century archaeology and enriched since, including objects from the Palaeolithic, Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Gallo-Roman period and early Middle Ages.

The museum is now a national museum under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture. Several rooms are closed for renovation; only some collections are currently accessible, including the Neolithic, the Bronze Age, the early Iron Age and the Gauls. The estate’s gardens, designed by Le Nôtre, are open to the public free of charge.

Highlights

• Collections on the Gauls and the Iron Age
• Objects from the Neolithic and Bronze Age
• Salle Piette devoted to prehistoric art (guided tour only)
• Sainte-Chapelle of the château of Saint-Germain-en-Laye
• Estate gardens designed by André Le Nôtre

Permanent exhibitions

• Néolithique et âge du bronze – Objects from the end of prehistory and the Bronze Age, among the collections currently accessible.
• Les Gaulois et le premier âge du fer – Rooms devoted to the early Iron Age and Gallic civilization.
• Salle Piette – Room devoted to prehistoric art, accessible only with a guide.

Founded

1862

Operated by

Musée d'Archéologie nationale – Domaine national de Saint-Germain-en-Laye (ministère de la Culture)

Director

René Joffroy

Visitors per year

approx. 113,023

Admission & discounts

Free admission: First Sunday of the month (permanent collections).

Ticket valid all day, no booking required. Admission is also free for the unemployed, recipients of the RSA (French minimum income), teachers with a Pass Éducation, journalists, professional artists and members of ICOM, ICOMOS and the Société des amis du musée. The museum accepts the Paris Museum Pass, the Pass Culture (ages 15 to 18) and other free or reduced-rate passes.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials
• Audio description: no information

Wheelchairs and seat-canes are lent on request. The rooms are served by a lift with assistance, and the chapel by a ramp; the Salle Piette is not accessible by wheelchair. Tactile suitcases with materials and replicas for blind and visually impaired visitors. Tours in French Sign Language for individual visitors, and a booklet in easy-to-read language. A drop-off zone is located on the château forecourt. Contact: reservation.man@culture.gouv.fr, +33 1 34 51 65 36.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

Workshops for children and family visit-workshops for parents and children (for example on the Gauls, prehistory, mosaics or ceramics). Birthday parties for groups of up to 12 children, from €46 to €84 depending on duration. Booking at +33 1 34 51 65 36 or reservation.man@culture.gouv.fr.

Getting there & parking

By car: motorway A13, RN 190, RN 13 or N 186.

Amenities & dining

An online shop is available. Large bags, including cabin suitcases, are not admitted, and a security check takes place at the entrance.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties: not available
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies: not available

Chapel, guardroom and conference room for public or association events (meetings, seminars, lectures, concerts); political, religious or private events are excluded. Requests at least 90 days in advance.

Plan your visit