Musée de Domme

About the museum

The museum was founded in 1937 by Paul Reclus, an engineer from Domme, and Patrick Geddes, a Scottish sociologist. It was initially devoted to natural sciences and archaeology, but it was closed in 1941 because of the war and a lack of qualified staff.

From the 1980s, the daughter of a former mayor, Mademoiselle Garrigou, bequeathed her family home to the town on condition that it serve as a cultural venue. The new museum, first called Musée Paul Reclus and later L’Oustal du Périgord, brought together archaeological collections and everyday objects of the peasants of the Pays dommois in the 19th and 20th centuries. Given the poor state of the Garrigou house, the town decided in 2020 to launch major renovation work. The Musée de Domme reopened in summer 2025.

The building is a former mansion typical of the Périgord noir. Its base dates from the 13th century and its upper walls from the 15th and 18th centuries. Across eight themed spaces, the route presents the history of the Pays dommois from prehistory to the present day: tools of vanished trades (cooper, hoop-pole maker, boatman, wool carder, clog maker), objects from excavations, works by sculptor Marguerite Mazet, and paintings and drawings by painter Lucien de Maleville. Two rooms host temporary exhibitions.

Highlights

• Building from the 13th to the 18th century, fully restored and reopened in 2025
• Eight themed spaces on the Pays dommois
• Tools of old trades: cooper, hoop-pole maker, boatman, clog maker
• Works by sculptor Marguerite Mazet
• Paintings and drawings by Lucien de Maleville

Permanent exhibition

• Exposition permanente : arts et traditions populaires du Pays de Domme – Everyday objects, traditional craftsmanship and local customs presented in eight themed spaces, from prehistory to the present day.

Founded

1937

Operated by

Sites du Pays de Domme (commune de Domme)

Admission & discounts

A reduced-rate “passeport” is available together with the other sites in Domme. Tickets are sold on site or at the Domme tourist office. Payment by Chèques-Vacances, cash or bank card.

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 museum is accessible to visitors with reduced mobility. Pets are admitted on a leash.

Kids & families

• Stroller-friendly

The museum is accessible with a stroller.

Getting there & parking

By car: A20 motorway, exit 55 (Domme-Vallée de la Dordogne), or A89 from Bordeaux, exits 16 to 18.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit