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Musée Lapidaire: Avignon's Ancient Echoes

Explore ancient sculptures and artifacts in a stunning Baroque chapel at Avignon's Musée Lapidaire. A journey through the region's rich history.

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Housed in a stunning 17th-century Baroque chapel, the Musée Lapidaire displays Avignon's archaeological collections, featuring Greek, Roman, and Gallic artifacts. It offers a glimpse into the region's rich past, from ancient sculptures to early Christian relics.

A brief summary to Musée Lapidaire

Local tips

  • Visit during the summer for extended opening hours and special exhibitions.
  • Combine your visit with other nearby attractions like the Palais des Papes and Pont d'Avignon.
  • Take advantage of the free admission to explore the museum's diverse collection.
  • Check the Musée Calvet website for temporary exhibitions and events at the Musée Lapidaire.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Musée Lapidaire is located on Rue de la République, Avignon's main street, making it easily accessible on foot from most central locations. From the Palais des Papes, walk down Rue de la République for about 5 minutes. The museum will be on your right. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    Avignon Centre train station is approximately a 15-minute walk to the Musée Lapidaire. Upon exiting the station, walk east on Rue de la République until you reach the museum. Alternatively, several bus lines stop near the museum. Check the local Orizo bus network for schedules and routes. A single bus ticket costs around €1.50.

  • Taxi/Ride-Sharing

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in Avignon. A short taxi ride from the Avignon Centre train station to the Musée Lapidaire will cost approximately €8-€12. Specify the address as 27 Rue de la République.

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Discover more about Musée Lapidaire

The Musée Lapidaire, an annex of the Musée Calvet, is located in the heart of Avignon, France, at 27 Rue de la République. This museum is housed in the former Jesuit church, also known as the Chapel of the College, a beautiful example of 17th-century Baroque architecture. The chapel itself is a work of art, with construction beginning in 1620 and consecrated in 1655. Its design, initially conceived by Étienne Martelange and later entrusted to François de Royers de la Valfenière, showcases a blend of architectural styles. The Musée Lapidaire has been home to Avignon's archaeological collections since 1933. The collections include Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Gallo-Roman, early Christian, and Gallic artifacts. Visitors can explore a diverse range of items, including Greek funerary reliefs, Attic vases, Roman sculptures, and Celtic monuments. Highlights include a monumental statue of a draped woman from the collection of Cardinal Richelieu and the Tarasque of Noves, a unique androphage monster. The museum's collection originated from the cabinet of curiosities of Esprit Calvet (1728-1810), the founder of the Musée Calvet. Over the years, the collection has been enriched through acquisitions and donations, including a portion of the Venetian Nani di San Trovaso collection in 1841 and a donation from Marcel Puech in 1986. In 2018, a selection of Egyptian works joined the collection. The Musée Lapidaire offers visitors a journey through time, showcasing the diverse cultures that have shaped the region. The museum is free to enter and is open from Tuesday to Sunday.

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