Musée Minerve

About the museum

In 1895, the demolition of Yzeures' former medieval church, which had become too dilapidated, revealed around eighty large carved blocks that had been used as foundations for an earlier building. Excavations uncovered three groups of remains: a votive pillar dedicated to Jupiter, a large polygonal building that was probably an octagonal temple, and an altar that is still poorly understood. A dedication to Minerva came from a sacred building, probably her temple.

The blocks were stored under a lean-to along the wall of the presbytery for almost a century, without any in-depth study. In 1970, the municipality decided to cut a new street through, which threatened this wall, and chose to build a building to showcase and protect the remains. The museum was inaugurated on May 14, 1972, and refurbished in 2000. It holds the “Musée de France” label.

The collections include fifty-two of the blocks found during the church works, as well as a lid and a basin from a Merovingian sarcophagus found more recently. The Jupiter pillar, dated to the early 3rd century, has a base and three carved levels; its remains have been listed as a historic monument (as an object) since 1896.

Highlights

• Votive pillar to Jupiter, dating from the early 3rd century, partly reconstructed
• Dedication to Minerva and remains of a temple with an octagonal plan
• Merovingian sarcophagi
• Fifty-two carved blocks discovered in 1895

Permanent exhibition

• Vestiges gallo-romains et mérovingiens – Carved blocks from the Jupiter votive pillar with a reconstruction attempt, remains of a temple to Minerva and Merovingian sarcophagi.

Founded

1972

Operated by

Commune d'Yzeures-sur-Creuse

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free; an explanatory booklet is available as an option. Payment by cheque or cash.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• 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 departmental tourism portal mentions a reception for visitors with reduced mobility.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

Reading corner.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.