Musée Saint-Germain
Archaeological museum housed in the buildings of the Saint-Germain abbey in Auxerre, with a visit to the Carolingian crypt.
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About the museum
The Musée Saint-Germain occupies part of the monastic buildings of the Saint-Germain abbey in Auxerre. The abbey, a former Benedictine foundation, grew out of an oratory founded in the 5th century by Saint-Germain, bishop of Auxerre, who was buried there in 448. It was rebuilt in the 6th century and again in the 9th century, the period of the Carolingian crypt, built between 841 and 859. The school of Auxerre spread its influence throughout the Christian West at that time.
Today the abbey can be visited freely and at no charge: the cloister, the abbey church with its Gothic choir and the remains of its Romanesque nave, and the chapter house. Only the crypt, which holds the tomb of Saint-Germain and 9th-century frescoes, can be visited with a guide.
The rooms of the town's art and history museum present archaeological collections from prehistory to the late Middle Ages: a Gallo-Roman room in the former monks' dormitory, a scriptorium devoted to copying and illumination, a medieval archaeology room and, in the sacristy, two 11th-century textiles, the “Suaire” and the “Tunique” of Saint-Germain. Temporary exhibitions complete the route.
Highlights
- 9th-century Carolingian crypt with ancient frescoes (guided tour)
- Gallo-Roman archaeology room in the former monks' dormitory
- Scriptorium devoted to the monks who copied manuscripts
- Sacristy with the “Suaire” and the “Tunique” of Saint-Germain
- Cloister, abbey church and chapter house open for free visits
Permanent exhibition
- Collections du musée d'art et d'histoire – Gallo-Roman and medieval archaeology rooms, a scriptorium, and a sacristy with two 11th-century textiles linked to Saint-Germain.
- Operated by
- Ville d'Auxerre
- Visitors per year
- approx. 77,265
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Guided visit of the crypt (40 minutes, required for the crypt) | €8 |
|---|---|
| Guided visit “Paroles de moines” (1 hour 30 minutes) | €10 |
| Guided visit of the crypt for groups (reservation at +33 3 86 18 02 90) | €5Price per person. |
| “Explorateurs” activity booklet | €2Price per person. |
Free admission to the abbey buildings, the museum's collections and temporary exhibitions. Only the guided visit to the Carolingian crypt is paid.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
“Explorateurs” activity booklet for children, treasure hunt “Escape Abbaye” (from age 8, around 1 hour 30 minutes, by reservation, free), workshops and activities throughout the year.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
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
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 40 min |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The Carolingian crypt can only be visited with a guide. Free digital visit with the Legendr app (tablets are also lent at reception). Guided visits and activity booklets are free for school groups. Bookings are made through the online ticket office. |
