MUDO - Musée de l’Oise, Beauvais

Museum in Beauvais

Beauvais (Oise) MUDO Et Cathédrale — Beauvais (Oise) MUDO et cathédrale

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Patrick

The Musée de l'Oise, known locally as MUDO, is one of the top attractions in Beauvais for art lovers and history enthusiasts. Housed in the former episcopal palace opposite Beauvais Cathedral, the museum blends medieval fortifications with Renaissance elegance, creating an atmospheric setting for its rich and varied collections. Following a major restoration and reopening in 2015, MUDO presents an inspiring journey through centuries of artistic heritage, making it a great place to visit on a walking tour of Beauvais.

Inside, the museum displays works by celebrated nineteenth-century painters such as Camille Corot and Alfred Sisley, along with sculptures, ceramics, medieval objects, and exquisite Renaissance pieces. One of the standout sections highlights Beauvais’ historic tapestry tradition, with beautifully woven examples that pay tribute to the city’s renowned workshops. The thoughtful layout and light-filled galleries make the museum an inviting cultural stop for visitors of all ages.

History and Significance of the Musée de l’Oise
Things to See and Do in the Musée de l’Oise
How to Get There
Practical Tips on Visiting the Musée de l’Oise
Where to Stay close to the Musée de l’Oise
Is the Musée de l’Oise Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting
Nearby Attractions to the Musée de l’Oise

History and Significance of the Musée de l’Oise

The MUDO building has been a landmark of Beauvais for centuries. Originally constructed as the episcopal palace, it combines medieval defensive features with later Renaissance enhancements, reflecting the evolving tastes and political realities of its occupants. For generations, the palace stood as a symbol of ecclesiastical influence, positioned strategically opposite the cathedral.

By the twentieth century, as the need for a regional museum grew, the palace was repurposed to house the artistic and historical heritage of the Oise. After extensive renovations, the museum reopened in 2015 with redesigned galleries, improved accessibility, and enhanced displays focused on clarity and visitor experience.

The museum’s mission is to showcase the cultural richness of the region, from Middle Ages craftsmanship to nineteenth-century landscape painting, while preserving the palace’s historic character. Its dual identity as both an architectural monument and a museum makes it one of Beauvais’ most compelling cultural venues.

Things to See and Do in the Musée de l’Oise

The museum’s tapestry collection is a highlight, celebrating Beauvais’ long history as a centre of tapestry production. Visitors can admire intricate designs, vibrant colours, and scenes that reflect both mythological and daily life subjects.

Paintings by Camille Corot, Alfred Sisley, and other nineteenth-century artists offer insight into the evolution of French landscape art. Sculptures and ceramics add depth to the collection, while medieval and Renaissance objects-ranging from devotional art to decorative pieces-round out the historical overview.

The building itself is part of the experience: visitors walk through fortified gateways, Renaissance wings, and restored rooms that reveal architectural layers spanning centuries. Between galleries, the tranquil gardens and courtyard provide a peaceful moment to pause.

How to Get There

Beauvais is served by Paris-Beauvais Airport, which connects to numerous European destinations. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Beauvais on Booking.com.

The museum is about a 10-12 minute walk from Beauvais railway station, which has frequent trains from Paris-Gare du Nord. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place.

Nearby public car parks around the historic centre make it easy to access the museum on foot. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Musée de l’Oise

Best time to visit the Musée de l’Oise: Early afternoon for quieter galleries.
Entrance fee in Euros: Free for permanent exhibitions.
Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 11:00 AM-6:00 PM.
Official website: https://www.beauvais.fr
How long to spend: 45-90 minutes.
Accessibility: Fully accessible; lifts and ramps provided.
Facilities: Gift shop, restrooms, and nearby cafés around the cathedral square.
Photography tip: Capture the fortified entrance from the garden side for a blend of medieval and Renaissance lines.
Guided-tours: Available; workshops offered for families and school groups.
Nearby food options: Several cafés and restaurants around Beauvais Cathedral.

Where to Stay close to the Musée de l’Oise

Several hotels sit within easy walking distance of the museum. Mercure Beauvais Centre Cathédrale offers modern comfort near both the museum and cathedral. For a cosy central stay, Hotel du Cygne is a convenient option. Travellers arriving via the airport may prefer Ibis Beauvais Aéroport, combining value and accessibility.

Is the Musée de l’Oise Worth Visiting?

Yes - the MUDO is one of Beauvais’ most rewarding cultural experiences. Its exceptional artworks, beautifully restored palace setting, and free admission make it an essential stop for anyone exploring the city’s artistic and architectural heritage.

FAQs for Visiting

Is the museum suitable for children?
Yes, with family-friendly workshops and accessible displays.

Are temporary exhibitions included in free admission?
Permanent collections are free; some temporary exhibitions may have a fee.

Can you visit the gardens without entering the galleries?
In most cases, access to the courtyard and gardens is integrated with the visit.

Is photography allowed?
Photography is generally permitted without flash, depending on the exhibition.

Do you need to book in advance?
Not usually; walk-ins are welcome during opening hours.

Nearby Attractions to the Musée de l’Oise

Beauvais Cathedral: Home to the world's tallest Gothic choir and historic clocks.
Place Jeanne-Hachette: A lively square at the city's heart.
Le Quadrilatère: Contemporary art centre with rotating exhibitions.
Galerie Nationale de la Tapisserie: Showcases textile art in a modern setting.
Maladrerie Saint-Lazare: A beautifully preserved medieval hospital complex.

The MUDO - Musée de l’Oise appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Beauvais!

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