Musée départemental breton

About the museum

The museum was founded in 1846, when the Société archéologique du Finistère, established in Quimper in 1845, began gathering collections. It became the property of the Département in 1862, which widened its scope to art, science, history and non-European cultures. It is the oldest museum in Finistère and one of the first in France to build a collection of folk art and regional applied arts.

It occupies the former palace of the bishops of Cornouaille, adjoining Saint-Corentin Cathedral. The Renaissance staircase tower dates from 1507. The wing on Rue du Roi Gradlon was completed in 1645, and the wing along the Odet was built in 1776 and remodeled in 1866 with a neo-Gothic cloister. The reception is in the former palace kitchen, which has been preserved in its original state.

The collection, which holds the “Musée de France” label, comprises more than 65,000 items. The permanent route follows the history of Lower Brittany from prehistory to the present day: the Metal Ages and Antiquity, the Middle Ages, traditional costume, Breton furniture and Quimper ceramics. The museum has received the “Tourisme et Handicap” label for all four types of disability.

Highlights

• Former bishop’s palace with the 1507 Rohan Tower and fresco room
• More than 65,000 items, from prehistory to the present day
• Traditional costumes, Breton furniture and Quimper faience
• Tourisme et Handicap label for all four types of disability
• Puzzle booklets and investigation games for children from age 3

Permanent exhibition

• Parcours permanent du musée départemental breton – Ten rooms on the history of Lower Brittany, from prehistory to the present day: archaeology, medieval art, costumes, furniture and Quimper ceramics.

Founded

1846

Operated by

Département du Finistère

Visitors per year

approx. 59,817

Admission & discounts

Free admission: The first Sunday of the month, from September to June.

Free admission also for job seekers, recipients of RSA and minimum social benefits, members of ICOM, Friends of the Museum, holders of a press card, licensed guides and members of the Société archéologique du Finistère. Payment by cash, bank card, cheque, Pass Culture or paper Chèques-Vacances (ANCV).

Accessibility

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

The museum holds the “Tourisme et Handicap” label for all four types of disability. All rooms are accessible: automatic door at reception, ramps, elevators, benches, folding chairs and wheelchairs available on loan, and adapted toilets on one level. Induction loops at the ticket desks and in the lecture room, five audio handsets, subtitled videos, touch elements in the rooms, tactile paving, magnifiers on request, sensory kits and a visitor guide in Easy Read. Accessible parking spaces along the Odet and opposite the museum.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area

Family investigation tours and age-appropriate activities from age 1, puzzle booklets and self-guided investigations from age 3, play areas and a relaxation area where breastfeeding is possible. The museum is fully accessible with strollers, with cloakrooms and a changing area near the toilets. It has signed the Môm’Art charter of the Musées Joyeux.

Getting there & parking

Entrance and exit are on Rue du Roi Gradlon, alongside the cathedral. Once through the palace gateway, the entrance is on the right in the courtyard.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

Shop at the entrance, open to all without a ticket, with more than 340 titles: books, games, stationery and Breton creations. Lockers for small and medium-sized bags; suitcases and large backpacks are not accepted. A left-luggage facility with 21 lockers is available at the Conciergerie on Rue du Guéodet, five minutes from the museum (€2 per day). Relaxation area on the mezzanine and in the courtyard.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit