Lapidary Museum

Avignon, France

The Lapidary Museum has housed the classical Greek, Etruscan, Roman and Gallo-Roman sculptures and objects of the Calvet Museum since the 1980s. They are both run by the Fondation Calvet. As well as exhibiting the museum's core collections, it also mounts summer temporary exhibitions.

The museum is based in a 17th-century building, previously the chapel of the city's Jesuit College. It was begun in 1616, initially to plans by Étienne Martelange and then by François de Royers de la Valfenière from 1620 onwards. de la Valfenière raised the walls as far as the nave's main cornice.

As well as Etruria, classical Greece and Rome and the Gallo-Roman era, the collections cover Gallic and Early Christian art. The highlight of the prehistoric collections is the 'Lauris-Puyvert Stela' in ologenic limestone. The Greek, Roman, Etruscan and Gallic objects include vases and lamps as well as bas-reliefs and statues, along with a number of Etruscan funerary monuments.

 

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Details

Founded: 1933
Category: Museums in France

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

David Smith (3 months ago)
Small, free museum filled with interesting ancient sculptures, pottery etc. Roman, Egyptian, Greek and more. Amazing that some of these things have survived for millennia.
Mike Zito (3 months ago)
An extension of the Calvert Museum holding classical Greek, Etruscan, Roman and Egyptian sculptures and objects. The museum is in a former Jesuit College chapel from 1615. It is located on Avignon's main street-Rue de la Republique. Definitely worth a visit. The museum is free.
Trung-Tin Dinh (4 months ago)
Musée Lapidaire in Avignon is an extraordinary destination for anyone interested in archaeology and ancient civilizations. Housed in a stunning former Jesuit church, the museum offers a captivating collection of artifacts that span thousands of years, with a strong focus on the classical antiquities of the Mediterranean. The exhibits are thoughtfully curated, showcasing a wide range of ancient sculptures, mosaics, and funerary art from Roman, Greek, and Etruscan cultures. Each piece tells a story of the past, offering a glimpse into the lives, beliefs, and artistry of ancient peoples. The collection is both impressive and educational, providing a deep understanding of the cultural and historical context of the region. One of the best aspects is that admission to this incredible museum is completely free, making it accessible to everyone. It’s a wonderful opportunity to explore ancient history without any cost. The setting itself adds to the experience, with the grandeur of the church’s architecture creating a dramatic backdrop for the ancient artifacts. The museum’s serene atmosphere allows for quiet reflection, making it easy to appreciate the craftsmanship and significance of each piece.
Ilona (7 months ago)
Great museum located in a church, Greek, Egyptian and Roman collections. Very interesting visit
AW M (8 months ago)
Great free museum with a lot of very old displays from as early as 3rd century BC. It is hard to believe that some of the pieces are so old considering how well they are preserved.
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