Musée-Galerie Carnot

About the museum

The idea of a local museum in Villeneuve-sur-Yonne emerged as early as the late 19th century, but only in the mid-20th century were archaeological collections installed in one of the town’s fortified gates, with the support of the Société archéologique de Sens and local enthusiasts. In 1987 the first rooms opened in the Porte de Joigny, presenting the Middle Ages and the history of the town; fine arts rooms were set up on rue Carnot in 1992.

In the early 2000s the fine arts collections moved to 4 rue Carnot, and the institution received the “Musée de France” label. After the fire at the neighboring music conservatory in December 2012, the building was rebuilt, keeping its Second Empire façades. The complex reopened in June 2017 under the name Musée-Galerie Carnot, combining the historic collections with exhibition spaces for contemporary art. In March 2024 this name officially replaced the former name “Musée villeneuvien”.

The route covers the history of the town, the sculptor Émile Peynot, the draftsman Berthold Mahn and the Nabis’ summer stays at the Relais estate. On request, the Porte de Joigny can be reached from the museum: its Salle des Chevaliers, on the third floor, presents about two centuries of Gendarmerie nationale history.

Highlights

• History of Villeneuve-sur-Yonne and fine arts featuring Yonne landscapes
• Porte de Joigny, a medieval fortified gate connected to the museum
• Salle des Chevaliers devoted to two centuries of Gendarmerie nationale history
• Souvenirs of the Nabis’ summer stays at the Relais
• Sculptures and works by Émile Peynot and Berthold Mahn

Permanent exhibition

• Salle des Chevaliers – musée de la Gendarmerie (Porte de Joigny) – Presentation of about two hundred years of Gendarmerie nationale history on the third floor of the Porte de Joigny, accessible through the museum on request.

Operated by

Ville de Villeneuve-sur-Yonne

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free admission.

Accessibility

• 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

According to the tourist office, the museum is accessible to people with disabilities, and an elevator serves the second floor.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum is located at 4 rue Carnot, in the center of Villeneuve-sur-Yonne, next to the Porte de Joigny.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

According to the tourist office, there is a museum shop.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit