Musée archéologique de Vieux-la-Romaine

Over het museum

The Musée archéologique de Vieux-la-Romaine was decided in 1998 by the Calvados Departmental Council, which wanted to turn the site into a centre of cultural tourism. The foundation stone was laid in 2000, and the museum opened on February 21, 2002. It holds the Musée de France label.

It presents the history of Aregenua, capital of the Gaulish people of the Viducasses. The town was founded in the 1st century, probably under Augustus, and reached its peak in the 2nd and 3rd centuries, with about 5,000 inhabitants on roughly thirty hectares. It declined from the middle of the 3rd century and lost its status as chief town around the year 400.

The permanent route covers about 650 m² and shows more than 4,000 objects, along with stone pieces, wall paintings and a large mosaic. Around the museum, visitors can discover two ancient houses: the House with the Large Peristyle, excavated from 1988 to 1991 and with gardens open since 1993, and the House with the U-shaped Courtyard, accessible since 2011. The forum is also part of the site but is not open for free visits. In 2024 the Giberville tripod, previously kept in Caen, joined the displayed collections.

Hoogtepunten

• Statue of Tutela, protective deity of the town
• Copy of the Marbre de Thorigny
• Wall paintings from the House with the Large Peristyle, including the fish fresco
• The museum’s large Roman mosaic
• House with the Large Peristyle and House with the U-shaped Courtyard, to visit outdoors
• Play room for children aged 3 and up

Vaste collectie

• Exposition permanente du musée – A route of about 650 m² on daily life in the Gallo-Roman town of Aregenua, with everyday objects, statues, wall paintings and a mosaic.
• Maison au grand péristyle et maison à la cour en U – Two ancient houses to visit outdoors near the museum, with a garden and a viewpoint at the first.

Opgericht

2002

Beheerder

Département du Calvados

Bezoekers per jaar

ca. 37.361

Toegangsprijzen & kortingen

Gratis toegang: European Heritage Days (in September)

Free admission on proof for recipients of the RSA (minimum income support), job seekers, museum and archaeology professionals, and members of ICOM and the Calvados Accueil network. The ticket gives access to the permanent and temporary exhibitions and to the outdoor sites (House with the U-shaped Courtyard and House with the Large Peristyle); the forum is not open for free visits. Payment by cash, check or bank card.

Toegankelijkheid

• Rolstoeltoegankelijk
• Lift: geen informatie
• Aangepast toilet: geen informatie
• Gehandicaptenparkeerplaats
• Hulphonden welkom: geen informatie
• Tastmodellen / voelbare objecten
• Rondleidingen in gebarentaal
• Informatie in eenvoudige taal
• Audiodescriptie: geen informatie

The museum holds the Tourisme et Handicap label for motor, hearing and intellectual disabilities. The exhibitions, activity rooms, cafeteria and shop are accessible. The House with the Large Peristyle, 500 m away, is accessible and has a viewpoint; the House with the U-shaped Courtyard is accessible but currently under restoration. There are objects to touch and labels in Braille, a large-print visitor guide at reception, an induction loop at reception and a guide in easy-read language. Sign-language tours of the archaeological sites are available by reservation. Visitors can be driven up to the museum entrance; the accessible parking is at 13 chemin Haussé.

Kinderen & gezin

Erg geschikt voor kinderen & gezinnen

• Gezinsrondleidingen & workshops
• Speurtocht, doeboekje of kinderaudiotour
• Doe- en voelstations
• Verschoonruimte
• Speeltuin / speelhoek

Visitors can handle object replicas, try an ancient lock mechanism and write their first name in Latin. A “young time explorer” booklet for ages 7 to 12 is available at reception. A play area inspired by Antiquity, for ages 3 and up, offers colouring, games, costumes and comics. Treasure hunts, an introduction to excavation and art workshops are organised throughout the year. On request, a microwave for baby bottles and meals is available at reception, and a covered picnic area is provided.

Bereikbaarheid & parkeren

From Caen: about 15 minutes (12 km), via exit 10 of the southern ring road towards Évrecy, then follow the signs. From Paris: about 2 hours 30 minutes via the A13. From Cherbourg, Alençon and Rouen: about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Service & horeca

• Café
• Museumwinkel

Cafeteria, shop, bookshop and a relaxation area.

Evenementen & zaalverhuur

Het museum heeft hierover geen informatie gepubliceerd.

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