Musée de l'archerie et du Valois

About the museum

The museum was founded in 1938 on the initiative of members of the Crépy-en-Valois tourist association, who wanted to collect objects of local folklore and Valois history. It first opened in 1939, but the Second World War led to its closure in 1940, and the château was bombed in 1944. After the war, specialists in museology and popular traditions advised dedicating the museum to archery clubs, which were very active in northern France. Thanks to the association Amis du Valois, the Musée de l'archerie reopened in 1949.

Initially run by an association, the museum became municipal in 1974, which allowed it to receive deposits from neighboring communes, notably religious art objects. New rooms of the former château gradually opened to the public: the Chapelle Saint-Aubin in 1955, the great hall in 1960 and the upper chapel Sainte-Marie in 1974. The museum later obtained the “Musée de France” label and has had its own management since 2012.

The building is the former keep (donjon, also called the auditoire) of the château of the lords of Crépy, built at the beginning of the 13th century with two chapels stacked one above the other. It served as a seat of justice, a granary, a prison, then a theater, school and cinema before housing the museum. The façade has been listed as a historic monument since 1926.

The collections include the only public collection in Europe devoted to archery, with bows from every continent, objects related to tir beursault and the Bouquet provincial, and an important series of religious sculptures from churches of the Valois.

Highlights

• The only public collection in Europe devoted to archery
• Traditions of archery clubs, tir beursault and the Bouquet provincial
• Bows and arrows from prehistory to the present day and from all continents
• Religious sculptures from the churches of the Valois
• 13th-century medieval château with chapels stacked one above the other

Permanent exhibitions

• Collections d'archerie – Bows and arrows from all continents, objects of archery clubs, tir beursault and the Bouquet provincial, and the evolution of competitive archery.
• Collections d'art sacré du Valois – Religious sculptures from churches in the region, displayed in the château's chapels and rooms.

Founded

1949

Operated by

Ville de Crépy-en-Valois

Visitors per year

approx. 7,354

Admission & discounts

The ticket gives access to the permanent collection and the temporary exhibition. Also free with proof for members of ICOM and ICOMOS, licensed tour guides, Amis du musée members, the press and holders of the Tourisme Pass Pro Valois card. Payment in cash or by check only; no bank cards; chèques culture and chèques vacances are not accepted. The museum is part of the Pass Culture scheme.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: not available
• 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 not accessible to people with reduced mobility: it occupies a 13th-century château with no elevator and stairs across three levels. Only guide dogs and assistance dogs are admitted.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Stroller-friendly: not available
• Baby changing facilities
• Kids’ birthday parties

The museum is open to children of all ages. A booklet of games is available at reception from age 6, along with a family trail, “Le jugement de Philippe Ier” (Philip I's judgment), regular activities for young visitors and a short introduction to archery for 6- to 11-year-olds, weather and staff permitting. Lightweight strollers are tolerated, but the many steps make them hard to use; a baby changing table is in the toilets of the first room.

Getting there & parking

65 km from Paris. By car: N2, D332 or A1, exit Crépy-en-Valois (D1324). From the station, it is a 15-minute walk.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop
• Lockers

No restaurant or food sales. Free lockers at the entrance while spaces last. Museum bookshop without mail-order sales.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit