MUDO-Musée de l'Oise

About the museum

The museum is housed in the former episcopal palace of Beauvais, at the foot of the cathedral. The palace was built in the 12th century for the bishops, who were also counts of the town. A fortified châtelet with two towers was added in the 14th century. In the 16th century the main building was rebuilt in the Renaissance style, with a large oak roof frame in the attic. After the Revolution the palace served as a prefecture, a bishop’s residence and finally a law court.

The idea of a departmental museum goes back to Prefect Cambry in 1800. A museum was founded in 1841 and given to the Oise département in 1908. It was installed near the cathedral in 1909, but bombing in June 1940 destroyed most of the works. In 1960 the collections moved to the attics of the episcopal palace. After the law courts left in 1973, the new museum opened in 1981. Closed in 1997 because of problems with the roof frame, it reopened fully renovated in 2015.

Since March 2025 the permanent collections have offered a panorama of the history of French art in the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum is run by the Département de l’Oise; its gardens remain open at midday.

Highlights

• Episcopal palace from the 12th to 16th centuries with its fortified châtelet
• Panorama of French art from the 19th and 20th centuries
• Oak roof frame 14 metres high in the attic
• Gardens open during the lunch break
• Free admission for everyone

Permanent exhibitions

• Collections permanentes : art français des XIXe et XXe siècles – Since March 2025, a panorama of the history of French art from the 19th and 20th centuries across the three levels of the episcopal palace.
• Le palais épiscopal – An ensemble from the 12th to 16th centuries with a fortified châtelet, a Renaissance residence and an oak roof frame.

Founded

1841

Operated by

Département de l'Oise

Visitors per year

approx. 69,745

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free without booking for all visitors. Only the programme workshops are paid.

Accessibility

• Partially 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 palace courtyard is paved, but a wheelchair-friendly path is provided. The three levels of the permanent collections are served by an elevator. The temporary exhibition spaces are not accessible to visitors with reduced mobility.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

The Mudothèque, a children’s space on the first floor with costumes, puzzles and books. The MusArt’dons play kit (ages 3–6 and 7–11) and free activity booklets are available at reception. Workshops for children from age 7 during the holidays.

Getting there & parking

By the A16 (50 minutes from Amiens, 1 hour 15 minutes from Paris) or by the N31 (1 hour 30 minutes from Rouen).

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop at the reception; palace gardens.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit