Musée de Saint-Chef

About the museum

The Saint-Chef museum belongs to the commune and was inaugurated in November 2000. It is housed in the heart of the village, in an old house that was the residence of the lord of By, near the abbey church. It helps to understand the history of the abbey town and complements a visit to the abbey.

The collection traces almost fifteen centuries of history in Saint-Chef. Models, films, reconstructions and interactive terminals present the successive stages of the abbey's construction, one of the great medieval abbeys of the region. A 3D reconstruction shows the 12th-century Romanesque frescoes of the upper chapel of the church. The rooms then cover local heritage, notably wine-growing and pisé (rammed earth) construction.

Other spaces are devoted to figures from the village: the writer Frédéric Dard, alias San-Antonio, whose public holdings are the most important collection, the Seigner acting family, with Louis Seigner, and the writer Marius Riollet. The visit ends in the Frédéric Dard space.

Highlights

• 3D reconstruction of the Romanesque frescoes of the upper chapel
• Frédéric Dard (San-Antonio) public collection
• Models, films and interactive terminals on the abbey
• Areas on wine-growing and pisé construction
• Free admission

Permanent exhibition

• Exposition permanente – Route through almost fifteen centuries of Saint-Chef's history: the abbey, local traditions, personalities and the Frédéric Dard space.

Founded

2000

Operated by

Commune de Saint-Chef

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Payment accepted by cheque, cash, bank transfer, with the Chèque Culture and the Pass'Région Jeunes.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• 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 site and building are described as fully accessible; the museum has a lift.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The tourist office mentions children's activities and craft workshops. Schools can take part in guided visits, workshops and treasure hunts offered by the museum.

Getting there & parking

From the A43 motorway, take exit no. 7 “Isle d'Abeau centre”, then follow the signs towards Morestel and Saint-Chef.

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