Musée national de la Marine de Rochefort

About the museum

The museum is housed in the Hôtel de Cheusses, the oldest secular building in Rochefort. This manor house, begun in the 17th century, became the seat of royal power when Louis XIV took over the Rochefort estate on May 25, 1666, to create an arsenal there. Colbert established the naval command here, and the mansion served as the residence of the commanders, then as the naval commissariat, before becoming a naval museum.

The route traces the history of the arsenal, nicknamed the “Versailles of the sea”: every aspect of military shipbuilding is explored, from techniques to the inventions and experiments that made the arsenal one of the most creative in the kingdom. Models and ship models, tools, paintings and sculptures also evoke the imaginary world of long-distance voyages.

The museum belongs to the network of the Musée national de la Marine, which also includes Brest, Paris, Port-Louis and Toulon. Its permanent route has been renovated, and its refurbished spaces reopened on February 14, 2026. The museum also had a second site, the former naval medical school, which closes for works from October 5, 2026.

Highlights

• Hôtel de Cheusses, the oldest secular building in Rochefort
• Ship models and shipbuilding tools
• Former naval command salons with wood paneling
• Highlights: the Dauphin royal and the model of the Plongeur
• Ironclad room and engine room

Permanent exhibition

• Parcours permanent rénové – The route presents the history of the Rochefort arsenal and military shipbuilding with models, tools, paintings and sculptures, in a renovated setting inaugurated in February 2026.

Operated by

Musée national de la Marine

Admission & discounts

The museum is not free on the first Sunday of the month. The ticket includes the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. Accepted with the Pass Patrimoine; annual membership from €34 with unlimited free access to all sites of the Musée national de la Marine. Payment in cash, by bank card, check, Chèques-Vacances and Chèques Culture; online by bank card only. Tickets are non-refundable.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: not available
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The Hôtel de Cheusses is a historic monument and its accessibility is limited: only the ground floor, which is level, can be visited by wheelchair; the upper floors cannot. The site has held the “Tourisme & Handicap” label since 2011 for hearing, intellectual and visual disabilities. Two accessible parking spaces are located in front of the museum. At reception, 2 wheelchairs, 1 stroller, 2 baby carriers and 20 folding seats can be borrowed free of charge with a valid ID. The reception is equipped with an induction loop, which can also be used with the audio guide. The guided tour “Au cœur du musée” lets visitors touch, smell and hear the collections. There is not yet an offer adapted for deaf visitors who use sign language. A companion is recommended for visitors who are blind or have low vision.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities

The museum offers family game tours, for example “Sous les mers” for ages 8 and up, and a kamishibai show for younger children. A baby area with changing table is available to parents; baby carriers and seat canes can be lent. Free admission for visitors under 26.

Getting there & parking

For GPS navigation, enter “Palais des Congrès”.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop
• Coat check: not available

No dining area. No cloakroom: visitors are asked to come without suitcases or bulky items. The bookshop is accessible during museum hours. Baby area with microwave, bottle warmer and benches.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit