Musée de Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye

About the museum

The museum is in the heart of the village of Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye, one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France. It tells the story of the abbey site, from the arrival of the relics of Saint Anthony the Great in the 11th century to the golden age and then the decline of the Hospitallers of Saint-Antoine, an order linked to caring for those suffering from St Anthony's fire.

The museum was created in 1979 and is run by the Isère Department. The following year it received a major donation of works by the painter Jean Vinay. In 1990, its programme and route were completely rethought. Access to the permanent collections has been free since January 2004, as at the other departmental museums of Isère.

The museum is spread across five sites of the abbey complex. The Noviciat houses the permanent route “Chroniques d'une abbaye”, with a 3D film about the construction site of the abbey church between 1070 and 1490, as well as the temporary exhibitions. The Grandes Écuries building houses the route “Parfums d'histoire, du soin au bien-être”, presented in partnership with the museum of the Hospices Civils de Lyon, as well as the medieval garden and the shop. Groups can also visit the Logis de l'abbé and the Salon aux gypseries (plaster-decorated salon).

Highlights

• “Chroniques d'une abbaye” route in the former novitiate
• 3D film on the construction site of the abbey church
• “Parfums d'histoire, du soin au bien-être” route
• Medieval garden made up of four gardens
• Free admission

Permanent exhibitions

• Chroniques d'une abbaye – Route on the history of the abbey, pilgrimages and the Order of the Hospitallers of Saint-Antoine, with a 3D film on the building of the church.
• Parfums d'histoire, du soin au bien-être – Route on the history of perfumes and medicinal plants, in a setting inspired by old apothecaries.
• Le jardin médiéval – Four gardens inspired by the Middle Ages: the Garden of Paradise, the perfumer's garden, the garden of simples and an Arab-Andalusian heavenly garden.

Founded

1979

Operated by

Département de l'Isère

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission to exhibitions, concerts, shows and workshops is free unless stated otherwise.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• 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

All areas of the museum and the shows are accessible to people with reduced mobility, except the Logis de l'abbé. Animals are not allowed, except guide dogs or assistance dogs; on a lead or carried, they may be tolerated in the shop.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

A trail allows visitors to discover the abbey and the village; leaflets for adults and for children are available at the tourist office, the museum and the town hall.

Getting there & parking

The village is 45 minutes from Grenoble and Valence and 75 minutes from Lyon.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Shop in the Grandes Écuries building.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit