Musée gallo-romain d'Aoste

About the museum

The commune of Aoste, one of the most important Gallo-Roman archaeological sites in Isère after Vienne, has been conducting systematic excavations since 1856, which led to the creation of a first museum. By 1987 this museum had become too small and poorly located: the commune entrusted the collections to a new building, while conservation and renovation were entrusted to the Musée dauphinois.

The new museum opened in June 1988 in a restored traditional barn, but it soon proved too cramped. From 1990, the commune launched a project for a new building: two linked wings offering around 650 m² open to the public. One houses the reception, the shop, the temporary exhibition space and storage; the other the permanent exhibition, organized around a glazed courtyard that evokes the atrium of a Roman villa.

The museum holds the “Musée de France” label. Its collections present daily life, economic history and religious life in ancient Aoste, with some of the most remarkable pottery, glassware and amphorae in France. An exceptionally well-preserved potter’s kiln lies a few minutes from the museum.

Highlights

• Gallo-Roman pottery, glassware and amphorae
• 650 m² permanent exhibition around a courtyard inspired by an atrium
• Daily life, economy and religion of ancient Aoste
• Well-preserved Gallo-Roman potter’s kiln nearby
• Virtual reality headsets and the Romanesque church of Saint-Didier to visit

Permanent exhibition

• Exposition permanente sur l’Aoste gallo-romaine – Finds from Aoste on daily life, economy and religious life, presented around a glazed courtyard.

Operated by

Commune d’Aoste

Visitors per year

approx. 22,137

Admission & discounts

According to a tourism portal, the ticket includes guided visits of the museum and the Saint-Didier church as well as virtual reality headsets. Free upon proof for archaeologists, museum professionals and ICOM card holders. Payment in cash, by card or by check.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• 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 650 m² permanent exhibition is on one level and accessible to visitors with reduced mobility, particularly wheelchair users with manual wheelchairs. Animals are not admitted.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Kids’ birthday parties

Workshops on the theme of Antiquity are held on Saturdays and during school holidays, as well as for children’s birthday parties. Admission is free for children under 12.

Getting there & parking

The museum is located in the centre of the village of Aoste.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

A shop is located in the reception building. Reception in French, English and Italian.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit