Musée militaire du Périgord

About the museum

The museum was envisaged as early as 1909 by the Fédération des vétérans de la Dordogne. Its founders wanted to gather in Périgueux the military memorabilia of regiments, towns, castles and personalities linked to Périgord, rather than having everything converge on Paris. An association was created for this purpose, and the museum opened at the end of 1911.

Napoléon Magne, a former cavalry captain and deputy, is the museum's benefactor. On his death in 1933 he bequeathed to it his collection of military objects. In 1921 the association acquired the building that houses it, a group of houses from different periods, part of which dates from the 16th century, laid out as a labyrinth of rooms and corridors across three levels.

Thousands of objects have been entrusted to the museum by families, veterans and sometimes the state: weapons, uniforms, decorations, documents and trophies. The conflicts of the 20th century are widely represented, and souvenirs from the former Yugoslavia and the Gulf War have been catalogued more recently.

Today, around 800 m² display more than 20,000 objects. The museum is run by the volunteers of the association, which was recognised as being of public utility in 1928; they lead the guided tours and organise the exhibitions. The rooms have been partly reorganised by period and theme, with display cases where the ordinary soldier rubs shoulders with the general.

Highlights

• More than 20,000 military objects, from the Middle Ages to today
• 13th-century chain mail and a bronze culverin from 1588
• Memorabilia of Marshal Bugeaud and generals Lasalle and Daumesnil
• Galleries on the First World War, including a model of a Taxi de la Marne
• Labyrinthine building over three levels, partly 16th century

Permanent exhibition

• Collections permanentes du Musée militaire du Périgord – Around 800 m² of galleries devoted to the major military periods from the Middle Ages to today, with weapons, uniforms, decorations and documents.

Founded

1911

Operated by

Association du Musée militaire des Gloires et Souvenirs du Périgord

Visitors per year

approx. 3,228

Admission & discounts

The standard rate is €6 per person.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Visitors under 18 enter free of charge.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

A shop at reception sells figurines, games, documents and the museum's magazine “Le Briscard”. A small consignment stall for badges and decorations is also available.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit