Musée de l'Ardenne
Art, history and archaeology museum on the Place Ducale in Charleville-Mézières, with arms, an apothecary, Ardennes painters and puppets.
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About the museum
The Musée de l’Ardenne occupies several buildings on the Place Ducale in Charleville, built between the 17th and 20th centuries around a courtyard and garden. The square was planned in the 17th century by Charles de Gonzague, Duke of Nevers, as part of his ideal city; the architect Clément Métezeau was associated with the pavilions, which are protected as historic monuments (listed in 1944, registered in 1980).
The old buildings were renovated and extended with a modern glass and steel addition. The museum opened on 20 October 1994. It covers about 3,400 m² and welcomed 51,775 visitors in 2019.
The route brings together art, history and archaeology and explains a region where wood, slate and iron have always been worked. Visitors can see remains of Celtic chariot tombs, weapons from the Charleville manufactory, including the 1777 model, the apothecary of the Hôtel-Dieu dating from 1756, coins from the Ardennes principalities and paintings by Ardennes artists such as Eugène Damas, along with works by Sisley and Fantin-Latour. Two galleries are devoted to puppets.
Highlights
- Remains of Celtic chariot tombs from Bourcq and Semide
- Weapons from the Charleville manufactory, including the 1777 model
- The 1756 apothecary of the Hôtel-Dieu and its earthenware jars
- Galleries devoted to puppets
- Ardennes painters such as Eugène Damas, and works by Sisley and Fantin-Latour
Permanent exhibitions
- Collections permanentes : art, histoire et archéologie de l'Ardenne – Archaeology, Charleville arms, the apothecary, coins, the wood, slate and iron industries, and Ardennes painters.
- Exposition permanente de marionnettes – Two galleries present the art of puppetry, so central to Charleville-Mézières.
- Founded
- 1994
- Operated by
- Ville de Charleville-Mézières
- Visitors per year
- approx. 51,775 (2019)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €8 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €5People over 65 and people with disabilities, on proof of status; groups of more than 10 people and contracted partners |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 25 · Free entry for under-26s, on proof. |
| Seniors | €5From age 65, on proof. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €5On proof. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €5 per personReduced rate for groups of at least 10 people. |
| Combined ticket with the Arthur Rimbaud Museum and the Maison des Ailleurs | €12€8 at the reduced rate. |
| Annual pass for one museum (residents of Charleville-Mézières) | €8€5 at the reduced rate. |
| Annual pass for all three museums (residents of Charleville-Mézières) | €12€8 at the reduced rate. |
Free admission: The first Sunday of every month
Free entry, on proof, for job seekers, teachers, press card holders and museum professionals (culture card, ICOM). The ticket for the three museums is valid on the day shown and the following opening day.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- 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 museum is fully accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 25 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Kids’ birthday parties
Workshops for children from age 6 during school holidays (€6 per child), a family game box from age 10, and a booklet game for €1. Children’s birthday parties at the museum (ages 6 to 8 or 8 to 12) cost €8 per child, for up to ten children, by reservation.
Getting there & parking
By car
An interactive map of city-centre car parks is available on the museums’ website.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
The museum can be hired or privatised for an event; a privatisation brochure is available on the website, and a quote is provided on request.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours of the permanent collections by reservation; bookings by phone or email with the museums’ booking service. Escape games Ardenn’scape (flat fee of €70 for up to 10 people) and visits with the City of Art and History are also available. |
