Musée Gassendi

About the museum

The Musée Gassendi in Digne-les-Bains opened in 1906. It is now part of the Ambulo museum network. Its collections are encyclopedic: they cover art, local history and the physical and natural sciences, presented in a route reminiscent of a cabinet of curiosities.

For about twenty years, the museum has also developed a collection of contemporary art in nature, the Collection Art en Montagne. It brings together works by artists such as Andy Goldsworthy, Herman de Vries or Mark Dion, installed in the landscape of the geological reserve and UNESCO Geopark. Some are located in abandoned villages, and the “Refuges d’art” can be visited on foot.

The museum has been closed for works since December 22, 2025, for an announced duration of about eighteen months.

Highlights

• Collections of art, local history and natural sciences
• Route in the form of a cabinet of curiosities
• Collection Art en Montagne with Andy Goldsworthy’s Refuges d’art
• Contemporary artworks in the landscape of the geopark

Permanent exhibitions

• Collections permanentes : art, histoire locale et sciences naturelles – Encyclopedic route combining natural sciences, older art and contemporary art, presented as a cabinet of curiosities.
• Collection Art en Montagne et refuges d'art – Contemporary artworks installed in the landscape of the geopark, including Andy Goldsworthy’s Refuges d’art, accessible on foot.

Admission & discounts

Free admission: First Sunday of each month and during national events such as Museum Night

Rates valid from January 1, 2026 to January 31, 2027, to be confirmed before reopening. Payment by check, card or cash; the Pass Culture is accepted.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• 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

Step-free entrance and compliant lift; adapted toilets with grab bar and accessible table; drop-off point in front of the site. The fifth floor is not accessible to wheelchair users. Signage with pictograms and services adapted to hearing and intellectual disabilities.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

A family route is offered within the temporary exhibitions (before closure).

Getting there & parking

Parking near the museum; a bus stop is less than 500 m away.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Shop and tourist information.

Events & venue rental

The museum has been closed for works since December 22, 2025 (expected duration: about eighteen months).

Plan your visit