Musée des mœurs et coutumes – Musée du Rouergue

About the museum

The museum is housed in the former departmental prison of Espalion, built in 1837 to plans by the architect Étienne Boissonnade. It opened in 1844 and was considered an innovation in the prison system thanks to its high-ceilinged individual cells, its two separate wings for men and women, and its central heating.

The prison operated until 1933. The building then became the home and workplace of a scrap metal dealer and his family, and was converted into a museum in 1986.

The collection focuses on the customs and traditions of northern Aveyron: antique toys, copperware, pottery, and objects related to religious life and pilgrimages. The former cells serve as exhibition spaces. The museum is a Musée de France managed by the Aveyron departmental council.

Highlights

• Former departmental prison from 1837 with individual cells
• Antique toys, copperware and pottery from northern Aveyron
• Objects from religious life and pilgrimages
• Prison architecture still visible, including the bars

Permanent exhibition

• Mœurs et coutumes du Nord-Aveyron – Collection of antique toys, copperware, pottery and objects related to religious life, displayed in the former cells (museum currently closed).

Founded

1986

Operated by

Département de l'Aveyron

Visitors per year

approx. 2,380

Admission & discounts

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The address is given at times as Place Pierre Frontin, at times as Place des Prisons.

Amenities & dining

As the museum is closed, no information on Wi-Fi is available.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.