Musée Sainte-Croix

Museum in Poitiers

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Danielclauzier

The Musée Sainte-Croix is the largest museum in Poitiers, offering a diverse collection that spans from prehistory to contemporary art. Built in 1974 by architect Jean Monge, the museum stands on the site of the former Abbaye Sainte-Croix, which was relocated to Saint-Benoît. Its brutalist architecture, featuring concrete and glass, reflects the design trends of the 1970s, making it a distinctive cultural landmark in the city.

The museum houses an extensive archaeological collection, showcasing artifacts from the Magdalenian period, Neolithic tools, and Bronze Age relics. Visitors can explore remnants of Roman walls, which highlight Poitiers’ ancient history as Limonum, a key city in Roman Gaul. The museum also features Merovingian sarcophagi and rare stucco decorations from Vouneuil-sous-Biard, offering insights into early medieval craftsmanship.

In addition to archaeology, the fine arts department presents works from the 14th to 20th centuries, including pieces by Paolo Veneziano, Piet Mondrian, and Odilon Redon. The museum boasts an impressive collection of sculptures, with notable works by Auguste Rodin and Camille Claudel. The Camille Claudel collection is particularly significant, ranking as the third-largest public collection of her works in France.

Recognized as a 20th-century heritage site by the Ministry of Culture, the Musée Sainte-Croix continues to evolve, with plans to expand its exhibitions and integrate collections from the Rupert-de-Chièvres Museum. Whether you’re interested in archaeology, fine arts, or modern history, this museum offers a fascinating journey through time and artistic expression.

The Musée Sainte-Croix appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Poitiers!

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