Musée de l'Abbaye
Art museum set in the remains of a medieval abbey in Saint-Claude, with the Bardone-Genis donation and an archaeological basement.
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About the museum
The Musée de l’Abbaye occupies the former abbatial palace of Saint-Claude in the Haut-Jura. The abbey, founded in the 9th century, shaped the religious life of the place for more than thirteen centuries, until the French Revolution. From 1994 archaeological test digs were carried out and from 1998 excavations brought to light major remains, part of which is now open to the public.
The museum project grew out of the donation of the painters Guy Bardone and René Genis, two artists from Saint-Claude. Over more than fifty years they assembled a large collection of 19th- and 20th-century works, with the support of the art critic George Besson. The donation was officially signed in 2002.
Building and renovation work began in 2006 under the architect Adelfo Scaranello, with Paul Barnoud, chief architect of historic monuments, responsible for the archaeological part. The garden façade is clad in a copper-aluminium alloy that recalls the tavaillons, the small wooden shingles typical of the Jura. The museum received the “musée de France” label in 2004, the building was listed as a historic monument in 2005, and the museum opened in 2008.
Today the route brings together paintings by Bonnard, Vuillard, Dufy, Chagall or Picasso, a floor of temporary exhibitions, the abbey remains in the basement and a garden with contemporary sculptures.
Highlights
- Donation of the painters Guy Bardone and René Genis
- Works by Bonnard, Vuillard, Dufy, Chagall and Picasso
- Archaeological basement with the remains of the medieval abbey
- 15th-century mural paintings
- Panoramic garden with contemporary sculptures
- Escape games in the collections and the basement
Permanent exhibitions
- Collection Bardone-Genis et peinture des XIXe et XXe siècles – Portraits, landscapes and still lifes by Bonnard, Vuillard, Dufy, Chagall, Picasso and the two donors Guy Bardone and René Genis.
- Sous-sol archéologique de l'ancienne abbaye – Remains of the abbey of Saint-Claude, founded in the 9th century, with chapels, cloister, cellars and 15th-century mural paintings.
- Founded
- 2008
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6.50 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €5.50Job seekers, people with disabilities, students |
| Children & teens | €5.50free up to age 5 · Youth rate for ages 6 to 15; free for children under 6 with free admission and guided tours |
| Visitors with disabilities | €5.50 |
| Students & apprentices | €5.50 |
| Groups (10+ people) | €5.50 per personGroups from 10 people, by quote only |
| Admission with guided tour (adult, from age 16) | €8.50 |
| Admission with guided tour (ages 6 to 15, reduced rate) | €7.50 |
| Admission with a craft workshop or lecture (adult) | €8.50 |
| Admission with a concert (adult) | €10 |
| Admission with a concert (young person or reduced rate) | €7.50 |
| School groups from the Haut-Jura Saint-Claude area: guided tour or workshop | €4Free admission applies to these school groups |
| Escape game (60 minutes, 3 to 6 players, from age 10): 3 players | €65Price per session; 4 players €75, 5 players €85, 6 players €95 |
The website lists no family ticket or pass. Two escape games are offered: “Vol au musée” and “Sauvez la relique !”, at the same price.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- 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 main entrance is up a flight of 11 steps. An outdoor lift exists but is currently out of order. An indoor lift serves all four levels. Part of the archaeological basement is not accessible by wheelchair. Reserved parking spaces are near the museum.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
Guided tours and workshops for families with a mediator. An educational pavilion in the garden hosts craft workshops; a play area is close to the museum. The escape games suit children from age 10.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Bus stops near the museum; the website gives no line numbers.
By car
Parking available
Several public car parks in the town centre in the immediate vicinity; spaces reserved for people with reduced mobility near the museum.
- Accessible parking
The museum is in the historic centre of Saint-Claude, near the cathedral, about 1 hr 30 min from Lyon and close to Geneva.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
- Coat check
Cloakroom and toilets free of charge; the museum’s art shop, also online; panoramic garden; shops and restaurants in the town centre.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Photos and videos for private use are allowed, without flash and without touching the works. Prior authorisation is required for any collective, professional or commercial use. |
| Good to know | Large bags, luggage and bulky clothing must be left at the cloakroom. Guided tours, workshops, lectures and concerts can be booked on the online ticketing system. |
