Musée de Royan

About the museum

The Royan museum is housed in the former market of the Pontaillac district, a building designed in 1957 by the architect Louis Basalo and the engineer Michel Bancon. The museum has occupied these former market halls since 2004.

The permanent display follows chronological themes: from the origins to the Empire, the estuary with the Cordouan lighthouse and the Gironde pilots, the seaside resorts, the First World War (1914–1918), the Second World War and the rebuilt town. A cabinet of curiosities completes the visit. The collection is organised around the theme of the image: landscape and coastline, a town in history, a modern city devoted to creation, and a place where artists stayed.

One space is dedicated to Picasso, who lived in Royan with his family and close friends from September 1939 to August 1940 and created more than 750 works there. The museum also organises temporary exhibitions, guided tours, lectures and workshops for children.

Highlights

• Permanent display on the history of Royan and its coastline
• Picasso space on the artist's stay in 1939–1940
• Estuary theme: Cordouan lighthouse and Gironde pilots
• Cabinet of curiosities
• Free admission for visitors under 18

Permanent exhibitions

• Parcours permanent – The route follows the history of Royan, its estuary and the seaside resorts, from the origins to the rebuilt town, with a cabinet of curiosities.
• Espace Picasso – Space devoted to Picasso's stay in Royan in 1939–1940, with facsimiles by Dora Maar and Picasso.

Operated by

Ville de Royan

Visitors per year

approx. 4,539

Admission & discounts

Also free for members of the Société des Amis du Musée, holders of a press card, tour guides and certain employees of the town and its partner venues.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• 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 equipped with a defibrillator. According to the Wikipedia article, it holds the “Tourisme et Handicap” label.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Workshops for young audiences (ages 6–7 and 8–10) outside school time.

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