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Historic Center Périgueux

4.1
·464 reviews·Périgueux, France

Discover prehistoric tools, Oceania artifacts, and 20th-century art in a beautiful historic building.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

First Sunday of the month

Free admission for many museums

CrowdMedium
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ペリゴール美術館

Historic Center Périgueux

Best Time

First Sunday of the month

Free admission for many museums

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover prehistoric tools, Oceania artifacts, and 20th-century art in a beautiful historic building.

4.1
(464 reviews)

"A worthwhile collection, though presentation and language barriers can be challenging."

Vertical photo
TIP

Translate Information

Use a translation app for French text to fully appreciate the exhibits. :iphone:

Check for Copies

Be aware that some displayed items might be copies or photographs. :mag:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Prehistoric Collection

Prehistoric Collection

First Floor

Discover ancient tools and artifacts from the Stone Age, offering a glimpse into early human history.

Oceania Objects

Oceania Objects

Explore unique items from Oceania, showcasing cultural heritage from distant lands.

20th-Century Paintings

20th-Century Paintings

Admire a selection of paintings from the 20th century, adding an artistic dimension to the museum.

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Planning Your Visit

Understand the Collection's Scope

This museum houses a diverse collection, from Stone Age tools to 20th-century paintings and Oceania artifacts. Be prepared for a varied experience, as some visitors note the display can feel a bit haphazard.

Language Barrier & Accessibility

Most informational text is in French, which can be a challenge for non-French speakers. The prehistoric collection is on the first floor, accessible only by stairs, so plan accordingly.

Best Times

When
First Sunday of the month
Why
Free admission for many museums
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds for a calmer visit
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Translate Information

Use a translation app for French text to fully appreciate the exhibits. :iphone:

Check for Copies

Be aware that some displayed items might be copies or photographs. :mag:

Stair Access Only

The prehistoric collection is on the first floor, accessible only by stairs. :arrow_up:

Appreciate the Building

The museum is housed in a beautiful building, even if the exhibits are varied. :building_construction:

Tips

from all over the internet

Translate Information

Use a translation app for French text to fully appreciate the exhibits. :iphone:

Check for Copies

Be aware that some displayed items might be copies or photographs. :mag:

Stair Access Only

The prehistoric collection is on the first floor, accessible only by stairs. :arrow_up:

Appreciate the Building

The museum is housed in a beautiful building, even if the exhibits are varied. :building_construction:

What Travellers Say

4.1
(464 reviews)

Reviews Summary

This museum boasts a diverse and interesting collection, ranging from prehistoric tools to Oceania artifacts and 20th-century paintings. Visitors appreciate the unique items and the friendly staff, though some find the presentation disorganized and the lack of English explanations a significant drawback. The building itself is also noted as being quite beautiful.

"Excellent museum with very friendly, helpful staff. We will be back!"

Delia Remington

"Nice museum with tribal and primitive collections, very nice if you re into that"

Ivo onofre

"The only true disappointment in our three weekly visit at the Dordogne. The collection is shown in the most chaotic way you could imagine, in a really neglected building. What a mess. Too bad, because the collection itself is worthwile and varies from prehistoric to more modern objects. We sadly discovered more than one object is a copy or even a bad photograph however (i.e. blueprint drawing by architect Breuilh), where the originals are kept in other musea. If we had known all this we would have spent our time elsewhere."

Maarten Ruijs

What People Like

Interesting and varied collection
Friendly staff
Beautiful building exterior

What People Dislike

Language barrier (French only)
Haphazard display
Stair access only

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located within the historic center of Périgueux. Public transport options within the city are limited, so walking or cycling are good options if you are already in the city center. Parking may be available nearby, but check local signage for restrictions and fees.

Driving to the museum is possible, but parking in historic city centers can be challenging. Look for designated parking areas or garages. Consider the proximity to your accommodation if you are staying in Périgueux.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Opening hours can vary, so it's always best to check the official museum website or contact them directly before your visit. Some reviews mention free access on the first Sunday of the month, but confirm this beforehand.

Admission fees can apply, though some visitors have noted free entry on the first Sunday of the month. It's advisable to check the current pricing on their official website to avoid surprises.

Information on advance ticket purchases may not be readily available. For smaller museums, it's often possible to purchase tickets upon arrival. However, if you are visiting during peak times or on a special event day, checking for advance booking options is recommended.

There is no specific dress code for the museum. However, comfortable attire is recommended, especially if you plan to spend a significant amount of time exploring the exhibits.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The museum features a diverse collection including Stone Age tools, objects from Oceania, and 20th-century paintings. Some visitors note the displays can be somewhat chaotic or haphazardly arranged, but the collection itself is considered worthwhile.

While the museum has interesting artifacts, the presentation might not be specifically geared towards young children. The language barrier and the nature of some exhibits could be less engaging for them. However, the prehistoric tools might spark some curiosity.

Information on guided tours is not widely available. Given the language barrier noted by visitors, self-guided exploration with a translation app might be the primary way to experience the museum.

Typically, museums allow photography for personal use without flash. It's always a good idea to look for signage or ask staff if you are unsure about photography policies.

A visit could range from 1 to 2 hours, depending on your interest in the exhibits and how much time you spend deciphering the information. Some visitors found the display layout made it feel like a 'drag' to get through.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are typically no dining facilities within smaller museums. However, Périgueux is a historic city with many cafes and restaurants in its center, so you'll find plenty of options nearby for a meal or a coffee break.

Most museums do not permit food and drinks inside the exhibition halls to protect the artifacts. There might be designated areas where you can consume refreshments, or you can enjoy them outside before or after your visit.

📸 📸 Photography

The museum building itself, with its exterior facade, can be a good photo subject. Inside, focus on capturing the unique artifacts, especially the prehistoric tools and Oceania objects, keeping in mind any flash restrictions.

The prehistoric tools and the objects from Oceania are often highlighted as interesting visually. The architecture of the building is also a strong point for photography enthusiasts.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

For families visiting Périgueux, this museum offers a unique opportunity to expose children to ancient history and diverse cultures. The prehistoric tools might capture a child's imagination, offering a tangible link to the distant past. However, parents should be prepared for the language barrier, as most exhibit descriptions are in French. Consider bringing a translation app or focusing on the visual aspects of the artifacts. The stair-only access to the prehistoric section means it might not be suitable for families with very young children or those with mobility issues. While the museum has a varied collection, the presentation style might not be specifically tailored for younger audiences, so managing expectations is key.

📚 History & Anthropology Enthusiasts

This museum is a must-visit for anyone with a deep interest in prehistory and cultural artifacts. The collection of Stone Age tools is a significant draw, offering insights into early human development. The inclusion of objects from Oceania provides a fascinating comparative element, showcasing diverse global cultures. While the presentation might not be as polished as in larger institutions, the authenticity and breadth of the collection are highly valued by enthusiasts. Be prepared to do some independent research or utilize translation tools to fully grasp the context of the exhibits, as detailed explanations in English may be limited.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Collection

The museum's collection is a significant draw, spanning vast periods of human history and geography. Visitors can expect to see Stone Age tools, offering tangible evidence of early human ingenuity. These artifacts provide a direct connection to our ancestors and their daily lives. The objects from Oceania present a fascinating contrast, showcasing diverse cultural practices and artistic expressions from a different part of the world. This juxtaposition of ancient European tools and items from the Pacific islands creates a unique curatorial experience.

However, it's important to note that some visitors have found the display of these varied collections to be somewhat chaotic and haphazard. This can make it challenging to follow a narrative or fully appreciate the context of each item. Additionally, a few reviews mention that some objects might be copies or even photographs, rather than the original artifacts, which can be a point of disappointment for some. Despite these criticisms, the intrinsic value and variety of the collection remain a strong reason to visit for those interested in anthropology and history.

Understanding the Visitor Experience

The visitor experience at this museum is often described as a mixed bag, with strong opinions emerging from reviews. On the positive side, the exterior facade of the building is frequently praised for its beauty, suggesting that the setting itself is an attraction. The staff are also noted as being friendly, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. The collection itself is acknowledged as interesting and varied, covering prehistoric times to more modern objects.

However, several recurring themes detract from the overall experience. A significant point of feedback is the language barrier, with most exhibit information being exclusively in French. This makes it difficult for non-French speakers to fully engage with the content. Furthermore, the layout and presentation of the exhibits are criticized by some as being disorganized and not well-explained, leading to a feeling of being 'dragged' through the displays. The prehistoric collection, while interesting, is located on the first floor and is only accessible by staircase, which could be a barrier for some visitors.

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