Musée des Antiquités de Rouen

About the museum

The museum was founded in 1831 on the initiative of prefect Dupont-Delporte, who wanted to create a “cabinet des antiques” to preserve fragments of monuments and archaeological objects, notably those from the excavations of the ancient theater of Lillebonne. It settled in the former Visitation Sainte-Marie convent, a 17th-century building. Achille Deville was its first director.

The collections range from Antiquity to the Renaissance. They include regional productions such as glassware, ceramics and sculptures, as well as objects from more distant cultures, especially ancient Greece and Egypt. The holdings also include coin collections, the Oissel Treasure and the Polain and Brument gifts.

The Musée des Antiquités belongs to the Réunion des Musées Métropolitains Rouen Normandie. Its galleries are now closed: the building needs renovation, and the collections are being processed and packed before transfer to off-site storage. The Beauvoisine project plans to bring the Musée des Antiquités and the Muséum d’histoire naturelle together in a new, single facility, with opening announced for 2028. A team led by architect Richard Duplat was selected in July 2023 to lead the design work.

Highlights

• Archaeological collections from Antiquity to the Renaissance
• Objects from ancient Greece and Egypt
• The Oissel Treasure
• Coin collection
• Former 17th-century Visitation convent

Permanent exhibition

• Collections archéologiques (fermées pour travaux) – Regional archaeology, Egypt, Greece, the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the Oissel Treasure and coins. The galleries are closed until the planned reopening in 2028.

Founded

1831

Operated by

Réunion des Musées Métropolitains Rouen Normandie (Métropole Rouen Normandie)

Admission & discounts

Opening hours and prices will be announced as the reopening, planned for 2028, approaches. In the meantime, the immersive experience “Sensations soleil levant” is offered in the square.

Accessibility

Opening hours and prices will be announced as the reopening, planned for 2028, approaches. In the meantime, the immersive experience “Sensations soleil levant” is offered in the square.

Kids & families

Opening hours and prices will be announced as the reopening, planned for 2028, approaches. In the meantime, the immersive experience “Sensations soleil levant” is offered in the square.

Getting there & parking

Entrance via 198 rue Beauvoisine or via rue Louis Ricard, in Rouen.

Amenities & dining

Opening hours and prices will be announced as the reopening, planned for 2028, approaches. In the meantime, the immersive experience “Sensations soleil levant” is offered in the square.

Events & venue rental

Opening hours and prices will be announced as the reopening, planned for 2028, approaches. In the meantime, the immersive experience “Sensations soleil levant” is offered in the square.

Plan your visit