Young girls dressed as first communicants in white standing in front of a chapel at the Priory

Musée Départemental Maurice Denis 'The Priory'

Musée Départemental Maurice Denis The Priory, Saint-Germain-en-Laye: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Situated in the picturesque town of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, the Musée Départemental Maurice Denis—commonly known as “The Priory”—offers an immersive exploration of early modern French art and the lasting legacy of Maurice Denis. As a pioneering figure within the Symbolist and Nabi movements, Denis transformed this elegant 17th-century former priory into his family home, creative studio, and later, a museum that celebrates his life’s work and the vibrant artistic circles he fostered. The museum stands as both an architectural landmark and a center for cultural discovery, blending historic ambiance with a sweeping collection of paintings, decorative arts, and archives. Visitors can enjoy both the indoor galleries and the terraced sculpture gardens, which together provide a comprehensive look at Denis’s vision of artistic harmony between spirituality, nature, and daily life (Monumentum; Visit Places France; Visit Paris Region).

Historical Background
Collections Overview
Visitor Information
Visitor Experience
Travel Tips & FAQs
Contact & Further Resources
Conclusion

Historical Background

Origins of the Site: From Royal Hospital to Artistic Sanctuary

The origins of The Priory date back to the late 17th century, when it was established as the Hôpital Général Royal de Saint-Germain-en-Laye. Conceived as a charitable royal hospital, the building’s design featured a grand double-helix staircase, vaulted kitchens (dated 1692), and a chapel dedicated to Saint Louis. Construction ceased in 1718, leaving the northern wing unfinished, but the southern wing and chapel survived as rare examples of period hospital architecture (Monumentum).

Maurice Denis and the Nabi Movement

Maurice Denis (1870–1943) emerged as a leading voice in the Symbolist and Nabi movements, advocating for art’s spiritual and decorative roles. His famous assertion—“Remember that a picture, before being a warhorse or a nude woman or an anecdote, is essentially a flat surface covered with colors assembled in a certain order”—captures the Nabi philosophy of prioritizing color, form, and symbolic resonance (WGA). Denis’s intellectual and artistic output included paintings, stained glass, religious murals, theoretical writings, and collaborations with other Nabis such as Pierre Bonnard, Paul Sérusier, and Édouard Vuillard.

The Priory as Denis’s Home and Studio

In 1914, Denis purchased the priory, transforming it into his residence and creative workshop. He restored and redecorated the chapel with large-scale murals and designed the terraced gardens to frame the building with an artistic vision of nature. The Priory became a gathering place for artists, intellectuals, and Denis’s family until his death in 1943 (Visit Places France).

Museum Foundation and Legacy

Following Denis’s death, the building served as a children’s treatment center before becoming a museum in 1980, thanks to donations from Denis’s heirs and support from the Yvelines department. The museum’s founding mission was to preserve Denis’s oeuvre and the broader Nabi heritage, and it has since grown to house nearly 5,000 works, including paintings, decorative arts, and archival materials (Monumentum).

Architectural and Artistic Highlights

The museum retains many original features: vaulted ceilings, period staircases, and the chapel, which is entirely decorated by Denis. The gardens are dotted with sculptures, and the building itself is classified as a historical monument (Visit Paris Region; Voyages Impressionnistes).

Collections Overview

Permanent Collection

The collection centers on Maurice Denis’s work, from his early Nabi period through later religious and decorative commissions. Notable highlights include mythological paintings, self-portraits, and personal objects. Works by other Nabis and Symbolist artists—such as Pierre Bonnard, Paul Sérusier, Félix Vallotton, Édouard Vuillard, Odilon Redon, Georges Lacombe, Paul Ranson, and Paul Gauguin—are also featured, alongside graphic works, illustrated books, textiles, and furniture (Collections Portal; Eclectic Light).

Chapel and Site-Specific Works

The chapel, redecorated by Denis in a harmonious blend of painting, stained glass, and religious iconography, is a highlight and a unique example of a total artistic environment from the early 20th century (Voyages Impressionnistes).

Sculpture Gardens

The terraced gardens feature sculptures by Antoine Bourdelle, Aristide Maillol, and others, set among fountains and flowerbeds. The gardens reflect Denis’s vision of the unity of art and nature and provide a tranquil setting for visitors (Voyages Impressionnistes; Sortir à Paris).

Temporary Exhibitions

The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events, deepening public understanding of the Nabi movement and early modern art (WhichMuseum).

Visitor Information

Visiting Hours (As of July 2025)

Wednesday to Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Closed: Mondays, Tuesdays, and major public holidays (January 1st, May 1st, December 25th) (Official Museum Website)

Tickets and Accessibility

Full price: €7
Reduced price: €5 (students, seniors, groups, large families)
Free admission: Children under 18, disabled visitors and their companions, and on the first Sunday of each month
Purchase: Tickets available at the museum entrance or online (Official Museum Website). Special events, such as Nuit des Musées, may offer free entry.

Accessibility

The museum is committed to welcoming all visitors. While the historic building presents some challenges (stairs, uneven floors), wheelchair access is available for main exhibition spaces. Accessible restrooms and family-friendly facilities are provided. Contact the museum in advance for specific needs (Museum Accessibility Page).

Getting There and Parking

Address: 2 bis Rue Maurice Denis, 78100 Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France
By train: RER A from central Paris to Saint-Germain-en-Laye station (approx. 20–40 min, then a 10-minute walk)
By car: Parking available near the museum (1 rue de Fourqueux or Place du Château), though spaces may be limited (Guide Tourisme France; Real Journey Travels)

Guided Tours and Workshops

Guided tours (French and English by prior arrangement)
Educational workshops for children and families, especially during holidays
Special events, such as Nuit des Musées, feature extended hours, performances, and participatory projects (Sortir à Paris)

Nearby Attractions

Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye: Home to the National Archaeology Museum and expansive formal gardens
Saint-Germain-en-Laye Forest: Ideal for walks or picnics
Town Center: Cafés, restaurants, shops, and local markets

Facilities

Restrooms and cloakroom available on-site
Museum shop offers books, postcards, and art-related souvenirs
No café; numerous dining options in town

Visitor Experience

Museum Layout

Explore restored residential rooms, the artist’s studio, and the famed chapel. Large windows provide natural light and garden views, while period details evoke the atmosphere of Denis’s era (Seine Saint Germain). The setting offers a rare opportunity to experience both the private and creative worlds of Maurice Denis.

Accessibility and Family Services

Main galleries and grounds are stroller- and wheelchair-accessible; some historic areas may be challenging
Family activities and children’s workshops available; gardens are perfect for supervised play

Special Events

Temporary exhibitions and rotating displays of rarely seen works
Cultural events, performances, and community workshops throughout the year (Museum Events Page)

Travel Tips & FAQs

When is the best time to visit?
Weekdays and mornings are typically quieter. Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying the gardens.

Can I take photographs?
Personal photography is generally permitted except in designated areas. No flash, tripods, or selfie sticks.

Is the museum accessible?
Most public areas are accessible, but contact the museum for details regarding mobility needs.

Are guided tours available in English?
Yes, with advance booking.

How long should I plan for my visit?
1.5 to 2 hours is recommended; allow extra time for the gardens.

What are the COVID-19 protocols?
Check the museum’s website for current health measures.

Contact & Further Resources

Address: 2 bis Rue Maurice Denis, 78100 Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France
Phone: +33 (0)1 39 73 77 87
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://musee-mauricedenis.fr/

Further Reading and Official Sources:

Conclusion

The Musée Départemental Maurice Denis stands as a beacon of French artistic and architectural heritage, offering a tranquil yet inspiring environment for art lovers, history enthusiasts, and travelers alike. Its expertly curated collections, immersive setting, and welcoming atmosphere make it a rewarding destination, whether for a day trip from Paris or an in-depth exploration of the Nabi movement’s legacy. Be sure to check the official website for current visiting hours, ticketing, and event details, and consider downloading the Audiala app for enhanced tours and interactive maps. Plan your visit today to experience the unique blend of creativity, spirituality, and French culture at The Priory.

References