Musée d'histoire de Nantes – Château des ducs de Bretagne

About the museum

The castle of the Dukes of Brittany stands in the historic heart of Nantes. An early ducal castle, built in the 13th century on the Gallo-Roman city wall, gave way at the end of the 15th century to the present building. François II, the last duke of an independent Brittany, wanted to make it a fortress and the residence of his court; his daughter Anne of Brittany, twice Queen of France, continued the work. The carved decoration shows the first influences of the Italian Renaissance.

After Brittany’s union with France in 1532, the castle served as a residence of the kings of France, then as a barracks, an arsenal and a prison. It was listed as a Monument historique in 1862, sold to the City of Nantes in 1915, and became a municipal museum from 1924. The Edict of Nantes was signed there by Henry IV on April 30, 1598.

After fifteen years of works and almost three years of closure, the castle reopened in 2007 and houses the Museum of the History of Nantes. It spreads over 32 rooms and displays more than 1,500 objects. It traces the history of the city from its origins to today’s metropolis, with sections on the Atlantic slave trade and slavery, the two world wars and industrialisation. The Harnachement building hosts the temporary exhibitions.

Highlights

• 32 rooms and more than 1,500 objects on the history of Nantes
• Atlantic slave trade and slavery, two world wars, industrialisation
• Palatial residence of the Dukes of Brittany with Renaissance loggias
• Courtyard, ramparts and moat garden in free access
• Chambre des Dragons for families from age 4

Permanent exhibition

• Musée d'histoire de Nantes – A route through 32 rooms on the history of Nantes, from its origins to today’s metropolis, with more than 1,500 objects, sections on the Atlantic slave trade and the world wars, and a multimedia work by Pierrick Sorin.

Operated by

Ville de Nantes

Admission & discounts

Free admission: First Sunday of each month, except July and August; European Heritage Days and Matrimoine Days, Museum Night and Nuit du VAN

The courtyard, ramparts and moat garden are free to enter. Free admission also for job seekers, RSA recipients, holders of the Pass musées, Pass Nantes, Pass du Voyage, Carte Blanche and ICOM cards, among others, on proof; a free time slot must be booked. Ages 17–18 can book via the Pass Culture app. For holders of certain TER Pays de la Loire subscriptions, one adult entry is offered with a purchased entry. Booking online, by phone at 0811 46 46 44, or at the ticket office.

Accessibility

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

Tourisme et Handicap label for all four types of disability. The castle is largely accessible to visitors with reduced mobility: 28 of the museum’s 32 rooms are accessible, as are the temporary exhibitions and the moat garden; part of the ramparts is served by a lift. Wheelchair and stroller loan. Tactile, audio-guided route with an app and audio descriptions, a free visioguide in French Sign Language, induction loops at the reception desks, tools in easy-to-read French, documents for autistic visitors, and noise-reducing headphones. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are welcome.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly

“Le musée en famille” kit for non-reading children from age 4 (about 1 hour, ten objects). Chambre des Dragons for families from age 4, with tactile and sound features, free to enter with the ticket. Guided tours and workshops for families from age 6. Free for under-18s.

Getting there & parking

From Nantes SNCF Nord station: 700 m, a 9-minute walk. The Naolib network is free for everyone at weekends. Bicycle parking around the castle and in the courtyard (Accueil Vélo label); Véloparc at the SNCF station and at Feydeau.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Coat check

Bookshop-boutique with free access from the courtyard (books, castle publications, merchandise). Cloakroom, toilets, stroller parking and a picnic area.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit