Musée de Picardie, Amiens
Museum in Amiens
Standing proudly in the heart of Amiens, the Musée de Picardie is more than just a museum - it is a monument to 19th-century vision and artistic ambition. Established in 1802 and housed in a purpose-built palace completed in 1867, it was the first museum in France designed specifically to display art and archaeology. Its monumental façade and richly decorated interiors mirror the grandeur of the Louvre, earning it a place among the most beautiful provincial museums in Europe. After a major restoration completed in 2020, the museum has re-emerged as one of the top attractions in Amiens, offering an inspiring journey through centuries of human creativity.
History and Significance
Originally founded as the Musée Napoléon, the Musée de Picardie’s history reflects France’s 19th-century cultural expansion under Napoleon III. Architects Henri Parent and Arthur-Stanislas Diet created a building that blended elegance and function - a design that would inspire many later museums across the country. With its symmetrical layout, grand staircase, and luminous galleries, the museum embodies the optimism of the Second Empire.
The interior is adorned with murals by Pierre Puvis de Chavannes, whose monumental paintings - celebrating the arts, science, and history - give the museum an added layer of grandeur. Declared a historic monument in 2012, the Musée de Picardie continues to serve as a cultural cornerstone of northern France, preserving art and history under one majestic roof.
Things to See and Do
The museum’s collection spans from prehistory to the 19th century, offering something for every art and history lover. In the archaeological galleries, visitors can trace the story of the Somme region from Paleolithic tools and Gallo-Roman relics to medieval sculptures and artifacts. The medieval section is particularly moving, with delicate alabaster reliefs depicting the Passion of Christ, showing both faith and craftsmanship in stunning detail.
Art lovers will be drawn to the fine arts collection, featuring works by masters like El Greco, Frans Hals, Chardin, and Corot. Each gallery unfolds chronologically, allowing visitors to see the evolution of European art from the Renaissance to Romanticism. Don’t miss the 19th-century rooms, where light and space enhance the vivid colors of Impressionist and Realist paintings. The museum’s atmosphere is peaceful and contemplative - a highlight of any walking tour of Amiens.
- Best time to visit: Year-round, though spring and autumn offer the most pleasant sightseeing weather
- Entrance fee in Euros: Around €7 (discounts available for students and seniors)
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM - 6 PM (closed Mondays)
- Official website: www.museedepicardie.fr
- How long to spend: 1.5-2 hours for a thorough visit
- Accessibility: Fully accessible, with elevators and ramps throughout
- Photography tip: Capture the grand staircase from below to frame Puvis de Chavannes’ murals
- Nearby food options: Café des Beaux-Arts next door offers light meals, while Brasserie Jules nearby is great for local cuisine
How to Get There
The Musée de Picardie is centrally located at 48 Rue de la République, just a 10-minute walk from Amiens train station. Visitors arriving by train from Paris can reach Amiens in about one hour via direct routes from Gare du Nord. Local buses also stop near the museum, and parking is available nearby for those driving into the city. The location makes it easy to combine a visit with other landmarks such as the Cathédrale Notre-Dame d'Amiens or the Quartier Saint-Leu.
Is the Musée de Picardie Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. Whether you're a lover of art, history, or architecture, the Musée de Picardie offers a deeply rewarding experience. Its beautifully restored spaces and diverse collections make it one of the must-see places in Amiens, blending grandeur with intimacy in a way that few museums manage.
Nearby Attractions
- Cathédrale Notre-Dame d’Amiens: France’s largest Gothic cathedral, famed for its architecture and light shows.
- Maison Jules Verne: The author’s former home, filled with personal artifacts and imaginative exhibits.
- Les Hortillonnages: Floating gardens that can be explored by boat for a peaceful nature escape.
- Quartier Saint-Leu: A lively canal district with colorful houses, cafés, and galleries.
- Tour Perret: An architectural landmark offering panoramic views of Amiens and the surrounding countryside.
A visit to the Musée de Picardie is a journey through time - one that reveals not only the artistic soul of Amiens but also the enduring beauty of France's cultural heritage.
The Musée de Picardie appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Amiens!
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Visiting Musée de Picardie
Open every day except Mondays, January 1st, May 1st and December 25th from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday.
It is open from 11am to 6pm, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
Adults €9
Nearby Attractions
- Cirque Jules Verne (0.3) km
Arts Venue and Historic Building - Hotel de Ville - Amiens (0.4) km
Historic Building - Dewailly Clock (0.5) km
Statue - Belfry of Amiens (0.5) km
Tower - Maison de Jules Verne (0.6) km
Historic Building - Maison du Pèlerin (0.7) km
Historic Building - Cathédrale Notre-Dame d'Amiens (0.7) km
Cathedral - Convent of the Grey Sisters (0.7) km
Convent - Tour Perret (0.8) km
Tower - Man on his Buoy (0.9) km
Sculpture
