Musée des Beaux-Arts et d'Archéologie de Troyes

About the museum

The museum's collections originated in works seized during the Revolution from churches, convents and residences across the region. They were first gathered in two former abbeys of Troyes, Notre-Dame-aux-Nonnains and Saint-Loup. The Société académique de l'Aube worked from 1826 to 1831 to open the museum, which was officially inaugurated in 1831, and then managed it for more than a century before handing it over to the City of Troyes after the Second World War.

The collection grew through acquisitions and numerous gifts. The purchase of the Chapelle-Godefroy collection, assembled by Philibert Orry, Controller-General of Finances, was decisive: it brings works by Natoire, Boucher, Hubert Robert and Watteau. The painter Dominique Morlot bequeathed 46 paintings as early as 1833, and other donors, such as Joseph Audiffred, contributed important pieces. The museum also benefits from deposits from the Louvre, including works by Mignard, Le Brun and Vasari.

The route brings together painting, sculpture, works on paper, decorative arts, works recovered after the Second World War (MNR collection) and archaeology. The archaeology galleries are currently temporarily closed.

Highlights

• Chapelle-Godefroy collection, with works by Natoire, Boucher, Hubert Robert and Watteau
• 17th-century painters from Troyes, including Jacques de Létin
• Works on deposit from the Louvre (Mignard, Le Brun, Vasari)
• Medieval lapidary and collection of Egyptian archaeology
• Thematic route “Le meilleur du 19e siècle”

Permanent exhibitions

• Collections permanentes : peinture, sculpture, arts graphiques et arts décoratifs – Works from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, including the Chapelle-Godefroy collection and deposits from the Louvre.
• Parcours thématique « Le meilleur du 19e siècle » – A route through the 19th-century works held in the museum.

Founded

1792

Operated by

Ville de Troyes (Les Musées de Troyes)

Admission & discounts

Free admission: The first Sunday of every month for everyone; the first Saturday of every month and in January and February for residents of Troyes holding the Pass'Troyen

Free on proof for job seekers, ICOM members, journalists, tour guides and private donors. No special rate on public holidays. Temporary exhibitions are included in the ticket price.

Accessibility

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

At the Saint-Loup museum, only the Muséum, the medieval lapidary room and the Egyptian archaeology collection are wheelchair-accessible; a renovation of the museum has been announced. Only guide dogs and assistance animals are admitted, on presentation of proof. Guided tours in French Sign Language are possible on request.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Playful tours with stories and nursery rhymes (€3 per child), creative visit-workshops and discovery workshops (€5 per child), each by reservation. Booklets, colouring sheets and puzzles are available at the reception. Babies are welcome.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The City of Troyes rents spaces in the Saint-Loup abbey. Contact: musart@ville-troyes.fr, +33 3 25 71 75 55.

Plan your visit