Musée de la Tour du Moulin
Municipal museum in Marcigny housed in a 15th-century tower: mineralogy, palaeontology, archaeology, fine arts and an apothecary.
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About the museum
The museum occupies a 15th-century defensive tower, formerly a water mill belonging to the priory of Benedictine nuns of Marcigny, an important site of the Cluny order. The building was listed as a Monument historique in 1909 and became a municipal museum in 1913. It received the “Musée de France” label in 2002.
The museum covers 300 m² over five levels, with a garden. Its 14-metre chestnut roof frame and its facade of local fossil-bearing stone are remarkable. Since 2023, the collections have been entirely redesigned.
The route brings together mineralogy and palaeontology, archaeology from prehistory to the Middle Ages, fine arts and an apothecary. It traces around 200,000 years of human occupation in Marcigny and the surrounding area, with pieces from the Palaeolithic to the Cluniac period, much like a cabinet of curiosities.
Highlights
- 15th-century defensive tower, former mill of the priory
- Chestnut roof frame 14 m high
- Prehistoric remains from the Charolais-Brionnais, including flint tools
- Mineralogy, palaeontology and fine arts
- Apothecary
- Prehistory festival in summer
- Founded
- 1913
- Operated by
- Commune de Marcigny
- Visitors per year
- approx. 2,582
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3Children from age 6, holders of the CNAS card, teachers, job seekers |
| Children & teens | €3free up to age 5 · Free for children under 6. |
| Groups | –For school groups, please ask the museum for the activity brochure and rates. |
| Families | €122 adults and 2 children; the same rate applies to holiday courses. |
| Workshop or guided tour | €4 |
| Board games or an additional child in a group | €2 |
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €12 · 2 adults and 2 children; the same rate applies to holiday courses. |
- Family tours & workshops
During school holidays, many workshops on archaeology are offered. A family rate is available for 2 adults and 2 children.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Each year the museum hosts a temporary exhibition and about ten events (European Archaeology and Heritage Days, Museum Night), themed guided tours, workshops for all audiences and lectures. A Prehistory Festival takes place one summer weekend, with a visit, workshops and demonstrations. |
