MuséAl

About the museum

The museum opened in October 2013 and belongs to the Ardèche department, as part of its directorate for culture, sport, youth and associative life. Its collection bears the “Musée de France” designation and includes around a thousand objects classed as national treasures.

Inside, objects unearthed by archaeologists reveal the daily life of the ancient capital Alba Helviorum. Outside, the classified archaeological site can be visited freely; it presents the areas of a Roman town that show the political, administrative, judicial, commercial, cultural and religious organisation of Roman antiquity.

The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, workshops, guided tours and performances, notably in the ancient theatre.

Highlights

• “Musée de France” collection of about a thousand objects classed as national treasures
• Daily life in the ancient city of Alba Helviorum
• Archaeological site open to all 24 hours a day, with a smartphone guided tour
• Roman costumes lent free of charge, play room and workshops
• Free admission for under 25s and every Sunday

Permanent exhibition

• Exposition permanente sur Alba Helviorum – Objects found during excavations reveal the daily life of the ancient city, with an outdoor archaeological site open to all.

Founded

2013

Operated by

Département de l'Ardèche

Visitors per year

approx. 53,604

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Free admission every Sunday, during the evening openings from 18:00 to 21:00, on Museum Night, on the European Archaeology and Heritage Days, on Fête de la science and on other annual events.

The most favourable reduction is applied; reductions cannot be combined. Admission is also free with the Pass Ardèche, the ICOM card, the press card and for teachers. Payment by cash, bank card or Pass Culture; Chèques-Vacances are not accepted.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum and the archaeological site are accessible to people with reduced mobility. A wheelchair and folding stools are lent at reception; in high season, booking by phone is recommended. A ramp leads to the museum and the site. The museum has an induction loop and tactile strips in places. A bag called “Ma visite bien-être” (noise-cancelling headphones, glasses, calming objects) can be borrowed free of charge at reception. Some workshops are adapted for people with physical or intellectual disabilities.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

Free admission for under 25s and free activities for under 4s. Costumes for children and adults are lent free of charge at reception; a drawing corner and a play area are included in the route (giant puzzle, building blocks, children’s books, nursing chair). Hiking-style baby carriers worn on the back are not allowed in the museum. Baby changing table in the women’s toilets. Workshops and birthday parties with a Roman theme.

Getting there & parking

By car from Paris, Lyon or Marseille: A7, exit 17 or 18, then N7 towards Montélimar and Le Teil, N102 towards Aubenas and D107 to Alba-la-Romaine. Distances: Montélimar 20 km, Aubenas 25 km, Vallon-Pont-d’Arc 35 km, Viviers 15 km. The museum also lists car-sharing sites and offers a “green rate” to visitors who come by bike or with a public transport ticket.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Shop with local products. Small refreshment point on request at reception (juice, water, coffee). Outdoor water point accessible even outside opening hours. The museum is air-conditioned.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit