Exterior view of the Amiens Museum in Amiens, France

Musée De Picardie

Musée de Picardie: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance in Amiens

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Amiens, France, the Musée de Picardie is a cornerstone of the region’s cultural and historical heritage. Built between 1855 and 1867 as one of France’s first purpose-designed museums, its grand Second Empire architecture stands as a symbol of 19th-century civic pride and continues to inspire regional museums throughout the country. The museum’s vast collections encompass everything from prehistoric artifacts and Gallo-Roman relics to Renaissance masterpieces and contemporary art, making it an essential stop for art enthusiasts, history buffs, and curious travelers alike. Recent extensive renovations have restored its historic interiors and enhanced the visitor experience, ensuring the museum remains a dynamic center of French heritage (Amiens Tourisme, Amiens.fr).

This guide provides all the essential information for planning your visit, including opening hours, ticketing, accessibility, must-see highlights, and nearby attractions.

Why Visit the Musée de Picardie?
Historical Overview
Planning Your Visit
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Conclusion & Call to Action
References

Why Visit the Musée de Picardie?

The Musée de Picardie is one of France’s premier regional museums, renowned for its striking Second Empire architecture and encyclopedic collections. It offers a journey across centuries of human creativity, from Paleolithic tools to modern conceptual installations. The museum’s role as a guardian of Picardy’s identity and a vibrant cultural hub makes it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in French art, history, and culture.

Historical Overview

Origins and Founding Vision

The museum’s origins are tied to the 19th-century ambitions of Amiens’ intellectual circles. The Société des Antiquaires de Picardie, founded in 1836, sought to advance knowledge of the region’s past. Their efforts led to a dedicated institution, made possible by public lotteries and land donations from Napoléon III and the city of Amiens. The founders’ vision was to create a “Louvre of the provinces,” democratizing access to art and culture (Amiens.fr).

Architectural Significance and Construction

The Musée de Picardie broke new ground as one of France’s first purpose-built museums. The winning design, inspired by the “new Louvre,” was selected in a public competition and executed by Henri Parent and Arthur-Stanislas Diet. The building, completed in 1867, features over 8,000 square meters of exhibition space and is noted for its lavish interiors and innovative layout that prioritized both conservation and display (guide-tourisme-france.com, darchitectures.com).

Evolution of the Institution

Initially named the Musée Napoléon in 1864, the museum was later renamed Musée de Picardie in 1878, reflecting a shift toward regional identity. Its collections expanded through state bequests, notable donations such as that of Albert Maignan, and the acquisition of important works spanning archaeology, fine arts, and decorative arts. The museum emerged from World War II largely unscathed and underwent modernization under Robert Richard, expanding its contemporary collections (Amiens.fr).

Renovation and Contemporary Relevance

A transformative renovation began in 2016, led by the Frenak + Jullien agency and heritage architect Jennifer Didelon. The project restored the Second Empire splendor, expanded exhibition spaces, and improved accessibility, culminating in a reopening in 2020. Today, more than 3,000 works are displayed across beautifully restored galleries, with a renewed focus on education and community engagement (darchitectures.com, guide-tourisme-france.com).

Planning Your Visit

Visiting Hours

Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Closed: Mondays, January 1, May 1, and December 25
Last admission: 30 minutes before closing

Ticket Prices and Purchasing

General Admission: €7–€8
Reduced Admission: €4–€5 (students, seniors, groups)
Free Admission: Children under 18, Amiens residents, disabled visitors and their companion, and on the first Sunday of each month
Tickets: Purchase at the entrance or online via the official site

Accessibility

The museum is fully accessible, featuring step-free entrances, elevators, adapted restrooms, and resources for visually and hearing-impaired visitors. Assistance is available upon request.

Guided Tours and Events

Guided tours are available in French and English, highlighting key artworks, architecture, and special exhibitions. Tours can be reserved in advance. The museum also hosts a robust calendar of temporary exhibitions, workshops, and family activities (Amiens Tourisme).

Getting There and Nearby Attractions

Address: 2 Rue Puvis de Chavannes, F-80000 Amiens
Public Transport: Served by Amiens city buses (Lines 1 & 5)
Parking: Nearby public lots (e.g., Parking Gambetta)
Nearby Attractions: Amiens Cathedral (UNESCO), Hortillonnages floating gardens, Saint-Leu district, and the House of Jules Verne (thecrazytourist.com)

Photography

Photography (without flash) is permitted in most galleries. Flash, tripods, and selfie sticks are not allowed. Restrictions may apply in special exhibitions.

Collections and Highlights

Archaeology

Artifacts span the Paleolithic era, Gallo-Roman period, and include an exceptional collection of Egyptian antiquities (notably a 100-object deposit from the Louvre).

Medieval Art

Features sculptures, illuminated manuscripts, and funerary monuments revealing Picardy’s medieval spiritual and artistic heritage.

Fine Arts

Masterpieces by El Greco, Tiepolo, Fragonard (“Le Berceau”), Corot, Courbet, Monet, Degas, Delacroix, Picasso, and Miró.

Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Includes works by Carpeaux, Rodin, Bourdelle (“Buste d’Anatole France”), Limoges enamels, and regional crafts.

Modern and Contemporary Art

Highlights include Jean Dubuffet, Sol LeWitt’s monumental “Wall Drawing n°711” in the Rotunda, and rotating temporary exhibitions (arts-in-the-city.com).

Architectural Features

The grand staircase, Salon de l’Impératrice, Salon de l’Empereur, and museum gardens are must-see elements that reflect the building’s historical and decorative richness.

The museum offers workshops, school programs, and community initiatives, including free admission on the first Sunday monthly, ensuring accessibility and engagement for all (picardieweb.com).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Musée de Picardie’s opening hours?
A: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM. Closed Mondays and major holidays.

Q: How much do tickets cost?
A: General admission €7–€8; reduced rates available; free entry for children under 18, Amiens residents, and certain groups.

Q: Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, with step-free access, elevators, and adapted facilities.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, in French, English, and other languages upon request.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Non-flash photography is allowed in most galleries.

Q: What attractions are nearby?
A: Amiens Cathedral, Les Hortillonnages, Saint-Leu district.

Conclusion & Call to Action

The Musée de Picardie is more than a museum—it is a vibrant cultural landmark that masterfully combines historical grandeur with contemporary relevance. Its thoughtfully curated collections, stunning architecture, and commitment to accessibility and education make it an essential stop on any visit to Amiens. Plan your trip today, explore centuries of art and history, and immerse yourself in the region’s rich heritage.

For the latest updates on exhibitions, events, and visiting information, consult the Musée de Picardie Official Website and Amiens Tourisme Portal. Enhance your visit with the Audiala app for interactive guides and insider tips.