Nocturne au Musée Sainte-Croix ©Ville de Poitiers
1 / 10

Musée Sainte-Croix

4.5
·756 reviews·Poitiers, France

A Brutalist architectural marvel housing prehistoric, Roman, and fine art collections, including works by Camille Claudel.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Nocturne au Musée Sainte-Croix ©Ville de Poitiers

Musée Sainte-Croix

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A Brutalist architectural marvel housing prehistoric, Roman, and fine art collections, including works by Camille Claudel.

4.5
(756 reviews)

"A fantastic, free museum with a striking Brutalist design and impressive art, especially Claudel."

Vertical photo
TIP

Free Entry Alert! :money_with_wings:

Admission is often free, especially on Tuesdays. Check their schedule for any special free days!

Translate French Descriptions :iphone:

Most descriptions are in French. Use Google Translate or a similar app for a richer understanding.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Camille Claudel & Rodin

Camille Claudel & Rodin

Fine Arts Collection

Discover powerful sculptures by Camille Claudel, alongside works by her teacher and lover, Rodin.

Prehistoric & Roman Artifacts

Prehistoric & Roman Artifacts

Archaeology Sections

Journey through time with fascinating prehistoric finds and well-preserved Roman artifacts.

Brutalist Architecture

Brutalist Architecture

Entire Museum Building

Experience the striking Brutalist design of the museum itself, an exhibit in its own right.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Free Admission & Time Commitment

Enjoy free entry to this impressive museum, but plan for at least an hour to explore its diverse collections, from prehistoric artifacts to fine art. Consider bringing a translation app for French descriptions.

Navigating the Maze

The museum's unique Brutalist architecture creates an engaging, maze-like layout. Staff are helpful in guiding visitors, but embrace the exploration to discover its hidden gems.

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Crowd
Low
When
Tuesday Afternoons
Why
Free admission day, but can be busier
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Réponse à @😊😊 Poitiers ville lumière ☀️ #poitiers #SelfCare #food
@loupchee
13.2K likes • 287.1K views

Free Entry Alert! :money_with_wings:

Admission is often free, especially on Tuesdays. Check their schedule for any special free days!

Translate French Descriptions :iphone:

Most descriptions are in French. Use Google Translate or a similar app for a richer understanding.

Petit moment culturel pour vous faire découvrir ce superbe musée tenu par un passionné ! Musée des curiosités près de Poitiers 🎖️
@epsylone
8.1K likes • 161.8K views
🖼️ Avec La Musée, place aux artistes femmes ! 👉 Une exposition événement qui fait suite au don exceptionnel d’Eugénie Dubreuil, donatrice et collectionneuse. Un gros travail de préparation qui a mobilisé les équipes du musée, dotées de très nombreux savoir-faire et de nombreux corps de métiers. 📅 Rendez-vous du 6 décembre 2024 (inauguration le 5) au 18 mai 2025 au musée Sainte-Croix, 61 rue Sain...
ville_de_poitiers
317 likes • 11.3K views

Wear Comfy Shoes :athletic_shoe:

The museum is a maze with multiple levels; comfortable footwear is a must for exploration.

Allow Ample Time :clock1:

You'll need at least an hour, possibly more, to fully appreciate the diverse collections.

[50 ANS MUSÉE SAINTE-CROIX] ⭐️Le musée Sainte-Croix fête ses 50 ans cette année. Conçu par l’architecte Jean Monge, il est un véritable trésor de Poitiers, et c’est avec fierté que la section jeunes des Amis des Musées de Poitiers (Orphée) participe à cette belle aventure ! 🏷️De l’architecture aux expositions, en passant par ses projets innovants, le musée continue de marquer l’histoire culture...
jeunesamismuseespoitiers
61 likes • 2.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Free Entry Alert! :money_with_wings:

Admission is often free, especially on Tuesdays. Check their schedule for any special free days!

Translate French Descriptions :iphone:

Most descriptions are in French. Use Google Translate or a similar app for a richer understanding.

Wear Comfy Shoes :athletic_shoe:

The museum is a maze with multiple levels; comfortable footwear is a must for exploration.

Allow Ample Time :clock1:

You'll need at least an hour, possibly more, to fully appreciate the diverse collections.

What Travellers Say

4.5
(756 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Musée Sainte-Croix for its free admission and diverse collections, ranging from prehistoric artifacts to fine art, with special acclaim for Camille Claudel's sculptures. The unique Brutalist architecture is a significant highlight, though the lack of English descriptions is a common point of feedback, often mitigated by translation apps.

"Fantastic museum. It was free to visit and contains some wonderful works by the recently re-evaluated Camille Claudel juxtaposed next to her teacher and lover Rodin, as well as many other works from ancient to 20th century.
You will need a good hour or more to see everything. My only criticism is that it would be nice to have a multilingual audio guide or telephone app so as to access more information in multiple languages.
One of the highlights of Poitiers and seemingly under-promoted by the city council. Staff were very friendly and helpful too."

53 mph

"Roman ruins, medieval art, and fine art. Admission was free on the day we went (Tuesday)"

Jonathan Lin

"Great museum in the middle of Poitiers. Staff were friendly and helped us navigate throughout the museum's layout (it's like a maze in the best possible way). The only thing to note was that all the descriptions were in french, however we just utilised Google translate on our phones and had no issues whatsoever. Definitely worth a visit."

Karolina

What People Like

Free admission
Diverse collections
Camille Claudel's art

What People Dislike

French-only descriptions

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Musée Sainte-Croix is centrally located in Poitiers. It's easily accessible by foot from the city center. If arriving by car, there are parking garages nearby, though navigating Poitiers' streets can be a bit of a maze itself. Public transport options are also available, with bus stops close to the museum.

Yes, several parking garages are available within walking distance of the museum. The 'Hôtel de Ville' or 'Les Cordeliers' parking lots are good options. Be aware that parking in Poitiers can be busy, especially during peak tourist seasons.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Many visitors report that admission to Musée Sainte-Croix is free, particularly on Tuesdays. It's always a good idea to check the official museum website or call ahead to confirm current admission policies and any potential fees or special free days.

Opening hours can vary, but the museum is generally open during the day, Tuesday through Sunday. It's recommended to verify the exact hours on their official website before your visit, as they may change seasonally or for special events.

Given that admission is often free, advance booking is typically not required. However, for any special exhibitions or if you are part of a group, it's advisable to check the museum's policy on reservations.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Musée Sainte-Croix boasts a diverse collection spanning prehistoric artifacts, Roman antiquities, medieval art, and fine arts from various periods, including notable works by Camille Claudel and Rodin. The building itself, a striking example of Brutalist architecture, is also an exhibit.

Most visitors note that exhibit descriptions are primarily in French. Many travelers successfully use translation apps on their phones, like Google Translate, to understand the information provided.

The museum offers a range of exhibits that can engage children, from ancient artifacts to art. The unique architecture might also spark their curiosity. However, the lack of English descriptions might require parental assistance for younger visitors.

Most visitors recommend allocating at least one to two hours to fully explore the museum's collections. If you plan to delve deeply into each section or appreciate the art at a leisurely pace, you might need even more time.

Absolutely! The museum is housed in a remarkable example of Brutalist architecture. Many visitors find the building's design and layout to be a significant part of the experience, describing it as a 'modern concrete maze'.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Currently, there are no dedicated dining facilities or cafes within Musée Sainte-Croix. Visitors are advised to explore the numerous restaurants and cafes located in the surrounding streets of Poitiers for refreshments.

The area around Musée Sainte-Croix offers a variety of dining options, from traditional French bistros and bakeries to international cuisine. You'll find plenty of choices to suit different tastes and budgets within a short walk.

📸 📸 Photography

Photography for personal use is generally permitted inside Musée Sainte-Croix, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the artworks. It's always best to look for signage or ask museum staff if you're unsure about specific exhibits.

The unique Brutalist architecture of the museum offers many interesting angles for photography. The art installations themselves, particularly the sculptures, also make for compelling shots. Look for dramatic lighting and geometric patterns within the building.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Musée Sainte-Croix offers a unique experience for families, blending history, art, and striking architecture. While descriptions are primarily in French, the visual nature of the exhibits, especially the prehistoric and Roman artifacts, can captivate younger minds. The Brutalist building itself, with its maze-like structure, can be an adventure to explore. Consider downloading a translation app beforehand to help explain key pieces to children. The free admission on certain days also makes it a budget-friendly outing for families visiting Poitiers.

🏛️ History Buffs

For those fascinated by the past, Musée Sainte-Croix is a treasure trove. The prehistoric and Roman sections offer a deep dive into the region's ancient history, showcasing well-preserved artifacts that tell stories of early civilizations. The medieval art collection further enriches this historical narrative. Combined with the museum's unique Brutalist architecture, which itself is a piece of modern history, it provides a multi-layered experience for any history enthusiast.

🎨 Art Lovers

Art aficionados will find much to admire at Musée Sainte-Croix, particularly its impressive collection of fine arts. The highlight for many is the opportunity to see works by Camille Claudel alongside those of Rodin, offering a nuanced perspective on their artistic relationship and individual brilliance. The museum also features a range of other artistic periods, ensuring a diverse and engaging visual experience. The striking architectural setting further enhances the appreciation of the artworks on display.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Camille Claudel

Musée Sainte-Croix proudly showcases a significant collection of works by Camille Claudel, a brilliant sculptor whose talent was often overshadowed by her tumultuous life and relationship with Auguste Rodin. Her pieces, such as 'The Waltz' and 'The Age of Maturity,' are characterized by their intense emotion, dynamic movement, and profound psychological depth. Visitors often express awe at the raw power and vulnerability captured in her sculptures, noting how the museum provides a crucial platform for appreciating her genius. The juxtaposition of her work with that of her contemporaries, especially Rodin, offers a fascinating insight into the artistic currents of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Many reviews highlight the importance of seeing Claudel's art in person, as photographs can only convey a fraction of the emotional impact. The museum's layout allows for intimate viewing of these masterpieces, encouraging visitors to spend time contemplating the artistry and the personal struggles that shaped Claudel's career. It's a powerful reminder of the often-unseen contributions of female artists in history.

Brutalist Architecture as an Exhibit

The Musée Sainte-Croix is not just a repository of art and history; it is an architectural statement in itself. Designed in the Brutalist style, the building is characterized by its raw, exposed concrete surfaces, geometric forms, and imposing presence. Many visitors are struck by its unique, almost labyrinthine layout, which is largely subterranean, creating a sense of discovery as one navigates its various levels and galleries.

This architectural approach is often described as a 'concrete maze' and is a significant draw for those interested in modern design. The starkness of the concrete is often contrasted with the vibrant art it houses, creating a dynamic interplay between structure and content. The building's design is not merely functional; it's an integral part of the visitor experience, offering a dramatic and memorable setting for the collections. It's a place where the architecture is as much an exhibit as the artifacts within it, appealing to those who appreciate bold and unconventional design.

Exploring Poitiers' Past

Beyond the fine arts, Musée Sainte-Croix offers a compelling journey through the prehistoric and Roman history of the Poitiers region. The museum houses a rich collection of artifacts that shed light on the lives of early inhabitants, from ancient tools and pottery to remnants of Roman civilization. These exhibits provide a tangible connection to the deep historical roots of the area, allowing visitors to visualize the past.

Visitors often find the prehistoric and Roman sections particularly engaging, appreciating the clarity and preservation of these ancient relics. The museum's ability to present such a diverse historical narrative, from ancient times to modern art, within a single, architecturally striking building makes it a comprehensive cultural destination. It’s a place where you can trace the evolution of human presence and creativity in the region over millennia.

You may also like

1 of 2