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Pilory Museum: Niort's Showcase of Visual Arts

Explore contemporary art in a historic Renaissance setting at Niort's Pilory Museum, a visual arts space with free admission.

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Housed in Niort's former 16th-century Renaissance town hall, the Pilory Museum is a visual arts space hosting temporary exhibitions by contemporary artists. Its name recalls the pillory that once stood on this site, where offenders were publicly displayed. Admission is free, offering an accessible cultural experience in the heart of the city.

A brief summary to Pilory Museum of Niort

  • Tuesday 2 pm-7 pm
  • Wednesday 2 pm-7 pm
  • Thursday 2 pm-7 pm
  • Friday 2 pm-7 pm
  • Saturday 2 pm-7 pm

Local tips

  • Check the museum's website or local listings for current exhibitions and events to enhance your visit.
  • Take time to admire the Renaissance architecture of the building, a historical landmark in Niort.
  • Combine your visit with a walk around Niort's old town, including the nearby Donjon and Notre-Dame Church.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Pilory Museum is located in Niort's historic center on Place du Pilori, easily accessible on foot from most central locations. From Place de la Brèche, a central square, walk south towards the old town, following signs for the Donjon. The Pilory Museum will be on your left, a short distance from the Donjon. The walk is generally flat and takes about 5-10 minutes. Niort offers free public transportation, so you can take a bus to a stop near Place de la Brèche if you are coming from further away.

  • Public Transport

    Niort offers a 100% free bus network. Check the Tanlib website for routes and schedules to the closest stop to Place du Pilori. From the bus stop, it is a short walk to the museum. Since the bus is free, there is no cost for this final approach.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available in Niort. A taxi from the Niort train station to the Pilory Museum, located approximately 1 km away, typically costs between €7 and €10. Taxi stands are located at the train station and Place de la Brèche. You can also book a taxi by calling 09.70.09.09.09.

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Discover more about Pilory Museum of Niort

The Pilory Museum, located on Place du Pilori in the heart of Niort, resides within the city's old town hall, a Renaissance-style building constructed between 1530 and 1535. Built by master mason Mathurin Berthomé, the building initially served as a symbol of Niort's communal freedoms. The name 'Pilory' is derived from the pillory that once stood here, where wrongdoers were exposed with signs detailing their misdeeds. From 1887 to 1987, the building housed a lapidary and numismatic museum. Today, it functions as a dynamic visual arts space, hosting temporary exhibitions of contemporary works by both local and international artists. The museum's programming is a collaboration between the city, Artistes de garde, the Centre d'art contemporain photographique Villa Pérochon, and Winterlong Galerie. These exhibitions often explore themes related to identity, culture, and the human condition. Stepping inside the Pilory Museum blends history and art. The building's architecture provides a backdrop for the contemporary artworks on display. In addition to exhibitions, the Pilory Museum hosts workshops and events. The museum is open Wednesday to Saturday, and artists are often present to engage with visitors.

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