Musée de Borda
Municipal museum in Dax housed in a former Carmelite church, with collections on archaeology, ethnography, fine arts and science, and an ancient site.
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About the museum
The Musée de Borda was founded in 1807, when the City of Dax bought the natural history cabinet of the scholar Jacques-François Borda d’Oro (1718–1804). From 1876 the Société de Borda ran the institution and enriched the collections in archaeology, history and fine arts.
At the start of the 20th century, the official gifts received by Raphaël Milliès-Lacroix, minister for the colonies, gave rise to a department of extra-European ethnology. The Landes department managed the museum from 1982 to 1996; a major loan of bronze objects then complemented the ancient collection. In 1996 the City took the museum back over, and a modern art section was built up thanks to more than 600 works by Léon Gischia.
The museum occupies the former Carmelite church, built in 1523, of which the portal, the choir and some chapels survive. It also includes the archaeological site of a Gallo-Roman basilica, whose restoration was completed in September 2024. The museum holds the “Musée de France” label and comprises four major collections: archaeology, ethnography, fine arts and graphic arts, and science.
Highlights
- Former Carmelite church dating from 1523
- Archaeological site of the Gallo-Roman basilica
- Collection of extra-European ethnography, including Gelede masks
- Herbarium of Jean Thore and Landes landscapes
- Holdings of more than 600 works by Léon Gischia
Permanent exhibition
- Site antique de la basilique gallo-romaine – Remains of a Gallo-Roman basilica, restored and reopened in September 2024, showing Dax’s ancient past.
- Founded
- 1807
- Operated by
- Ville de Dax
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €7 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €4Young people aged 6 to 25, students, people with disabilities, residents of Dax, members of the Société de Borda and groups of 10 or more |
| Children & teens | €4free up to age 5 · Free admission for under-6s; reduced rate for ages 6 to 25. |
| Students & apprentices | €4 |
| Groups (10+ people) | €4 per personGuided group visit for €4 per person, by reservation. |
| Families | €20Family pass for 2 adults, regardless of the number of children. |
| Guided tour and activity | €1 |
Free admission: First weekend of each month
The ticket gives access to the temporary exhibition and the ancient site. Free admission is also granted to job seekers, holders of the Carte Culture or ICOM card, museum staff, journalists and teachers preparing a visit. Payment in cash or by bank card.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits
- Sign language tours
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description
The museum has held the “Tourisme et Handicap” label since 2021 for all four types of disability. Tactile labels, audio descriptions, room sheets, magnifiers, an induction loop and walking sticks with seats are lent free of charge. On request there are tours in sign language, sensory tours and adapted workshops. Staff are trained to welcome visitors with disabilities.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €20 · Family pass for 2 adults, regardless of the number of children. |
- Family tours & workshops
“Mes vacances au musée” programme during school holidays and activities suited to children’s ages; family pass at €20.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
Shop at the Carmes chapel and at the ancient site, accessible without visiting the exhibition.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Group visits by telephone booking, Tuesday to Saturday afternoons and the first Sunday of the month. School classes are received Tuesday to Friday mornings, by registration. |
