Musée Lapidaire - a building with a fountain in front of it
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Musée Lapidaire

4.5
·586 reviews·Avignon, France

Discover ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman treasures in a stunning 17th-century church. Free entry makes this a must-see Avignon gem.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing

CrowdLow
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Musée Lapidaire - a building with a fountain in front of it

Musée Lapidaire

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman treasures in a stunning 17th-century church. Free entry makes this a must-see Avignon gem.

4.5
(586 reviews)

"Free museum with impressive Egyptian, Greek, and Italian exhibits in a cool, historic church setting."

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TIP

Free Admission! 🤩

Enjoy this museum's extensive exhibits without spending a euro. A true hidden gem for history buffs!

French Text Alert 🇫🇷

Most exhibit descriptions are in French. Consider a translation app for deeper understanding.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Egyptian Artifacts

Egyptian Artifacts

Explore a surprisingly extensive collection of ancient Egyptian treasures, from statues to intricate artifacts.

Classical Antiquities

Classical Antiquities

Marvel at sculptures, vases, and glass from Greek, Roman, and Etruscan cultures, offering a journey through ancient Mediterranean life.

Historic Church Setting

Historic Church Setting

Experience ancient art within the grand architecture of a 17th-century former Jesuit church, adding a unique ambiance.

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Free Entry, Big Impact

Enjoy a free museum experience showcasing Egyptian, Greek, and Italian artifacts. It's a compact gem, perfect for a 30-minute visit, but be aware that all exhibit texts are in French.

Location & Context

Housed in a former Jesuit church near the Palace of the Popes, this museum offers a unique glimpse into ancient history. It was historically a mint for coins during Avignon's Papal State era.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Still manageable crowds
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Salvete omnes, totay I came across this Latin text that I cannot translate. Could somebody help me with the translation? For context: this building is situated in front of the palace of the popes in Avignon. Thans you in advance.

Free Admission! 🤩

Enjoy this museum's extensive exhibits without spending a euro. A true hidden gem for history buffs! Reddit

French Text Alert 🇫🇷

Most exhibit descriptions are in French. Consider a translation app for deeper understanding. Reddit

Quick & Rewarding Visit

Perfect for a 30-minute stop to see impressive ancient artifacts. Don't miss it! Reddit

Combine with Local Charm

Explore the lovely plaza behind the museum, often featuring a local market and restaurants. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

Free Admission! 🤩

Enjoy this museum's extensive exhibits without spending a euro. A true hidden gem for history buffs! Reddit

French Text Alert 🇫🇷

Most exhibit descriptions are in French. Consider a translation app for deeper understanding. Reddit

Quick & Rewarding Visit

Perfect for a 30-minute stop to see impressive ancient artifacts. Don't miss it! Reddit

Combine with Local Charm

Explore the lovely plaza behind the museum, often featuring a local market and restaurants. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(586 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Musée Lapidaire for its impressive collection of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artifacts, all offered with free admission. The unique setting within a historic church adds to its charm. The primary drawback is that all exhibit texts are in French, which can be a barrier for non-French speakers.

"Small museum focus on Egyptian artifacts and statues. Entrance is free. Definitely worth 30 minutes of your life. Only setback is that all texts are in French."

Søren Bregenholt

"It is cool place to go and enjoy free exhibit of Egypt Greece and Italy. It is not big but I liked it!"

Julia Helland

"Free museum which boasts an extensive exhibition on Egyptian artefacts.
Central location allows for visitors to explore at their own leisure."

potatoes

What People Like

Free admission
Impressive artifact collection
Historic church setting

What People Dislike

All texts in French

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Musée Lapidaire is centrally located in Avignon, near the Palace of the Popes. It's easily accessible on foot if you're exploring the city center. Public transport options are also available, with bus stops nearby. Reddit

Parking in the immediate vicinity can be challenging due to its central location. It's recommended to use public parking garages in Avignon, such as Parking des Halles or Parking Palais des Papes, and then walk to the museum. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Musée Lapidaire offers completely free admission, making it an accessible cultural experience for all visitors. Reddit

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official museum website or local tourist information for the most up-to-date hours before your visit. Reddit

As admission is free, advance booking is typically not required. However, for special exhibitions or group visits, it's advisable to inquire with the museum directly. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

The museum features a significant collection of Greek, Roman, and Etruscan sculptures, vases, and glass. It also boasts an impressive exhibition on Egyptian artifacts. Reddit

While the artifacts are fascinating, the museum's focus on ancient history and the text-heavy displays might be more engaging for older children or those with a specific interest in archaeology. Reddit

Most visitors find that 30 minutes to an hour is sufficient to explore the museum's collections thoroughly. It's a compact yet impactful visit. Reddit

Information on guided tours can be limited, especially given the free admission. It's recommended to check the museum's official channels or inquire upon arrival for any available tour options. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies can vary. Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is permitted, but it's always best to look for signage or ask museum staff to confirm. Reddit

The grand architecture of the former church provides a stunning backdrop for the artifacts. Capturing the interplay of light on the sculptures and the overall ambiance of the historic space can yield great shots. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Musée Lapidaire offers a free glimpse into ancient history, which can be a great educational stop for families. However, it's important to note that all exhibit texts are in French,Reddit so younger children might struggle to engage with the information without assistance. Consider downloading a translation app or focusing on the visual aspects of the sculptures and artifacts. The compact size of the museum means it won't overwhelm younger attention spans, making it a manageable 30-minute visit. Reddit

For families interested in archaeology, the Egyptian artifacts and classical sculptures can spark curiosity. It's a good opportunity to discuss different ancient civilizations and their art. The historic church setting itself can also be an interesting element for children to observe. Remember to check for any specific family-friendly guides or activities the museum might offer, though these are not widely advertised. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

The Musée Lapidaire is an absolute must-visit for budget-conscious travelers, as admission is completely free!Reddit This allows you to immerse yourself in fascinating ancient history without any cost. It's a fantastic way to experience a significant cultural attraction in Avignon without impacting your travel budget. Reddit

Combine your visit with exploring the charming plaza behind the museum, which often features local markets and affordable dining options. This makes for a rich and inexpensive cultural outing. The museum's central location also means you can easily walk there, saving on transportation costs if you're already in the city center. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Ancient Civilizations

The Musée Lapidaire is a treasure trove for anyone fascinated by the ancient world. Housed within the impressive architecture of a former Jesuit church, the museum offers a curated selection of artifacts that transport visitors back in time. The collection is particularly strong in its representation of Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities, featuring a diverse array of sculptures, intricate vases, and delicate glasswork. These pieces provide tangible connections to the daily lives, artistic achievements, and cultural practices of these foundational civilizations. Reddit

Beyond the classical Mediterranean, the museum also boasts a surprisingly extensive exhibition dedicated to Egyptian artifacts. This dual focus allows for a broader understanding of ancient history and the interconnectedness of cultures in the Mediterranean basin. The thoughtful arrangement of exhibits within the historic church setting enhances the visitor experience, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere conducive to appreciating the craftsmanship and historical significance of each item. Reddit

One of the most compelling aspects of the Musée Lapidaire is its free admission. This accessibility ensures that the wonders of ancient history are available to everyone, regardless of budget. It's an opportunity to engage with millennia-old art and history in a meaningful way, making it a highly recommended stop for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. TikTok

Navigating the Museum: Tips from Visitors

While the Musée Lapidaire is a rewarding visit, a few practical tips can enhance your experience. A common point raised by visitors is that all exhibit texts are in French.Reddit For those not fluent in the language, having a translation app on your smartphone can be incredibly helpful for understanding the context and stories behind the artifacts. This small preparation can significantly deepen your appreciation of the collections. Reddit

The museum is described as compact, making it an ideal destination for a quick yet impactful visit, often estimated at around 30 minutes.Reddit This makes it perfect for fitting into a busy itinerary or for those who prefer shorter museum experiences. Despite its size, the quality and breadth of the exhibits, especially the Egyptian collection, are frequently highlighted as a pleasant surprise. Reddit

Beyond the museum walls, the plaza behind it offers a charming extension to your visit. This area often hosts local markets and provides a selection of restaurants, allowing you to combine your cultural exploration with a taste of local life and cuisine. It's a great way to round off your experience in this part of Avignon. Reddit

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