A historic monument par excellence, the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye has a fascinating history, which we invite you to discover during the Journées du Patrimoine, the 39th edition of which takes place on Saturday and Sunday, September 21 and 22 , 2024.
Built in the 12th century by King Louis VI le Gros, the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye was originally a hilltop fortress. Later, King François I transformed Saint-Germain into a Renaissance-style fortress, making it the principal residence of the kings of France. It was at Saint-Germain that kings Henri II, Henri IV and Louis XIV were born. Although the layout designed by François I remained, Louis XIV asked André Le Nôtre to redesign the gardens.
The Museum of National Archaeology - Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye
The Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, high up in the Yvelines, was one of the royal residences of François I. Today, it houses the national archaeology museum. Today, it houses the Musée d'Archéologie Nationale, with over 29,000 objects on display! [Read more]
This is what the King's gardener did in 1663, with large flowerbeds in front of the château, views towards infinity, and above all a panoramic view of the Seine valley: the 2.4-kilometre-long Grande Terrasse!
After Louis XIV deserted the"Château Neuf" for Versailles in 1682, Napoleon I turned it into a cavalry school, before Napoleon III decreed in 1862 that the Château de Saint-Germain would house a "Museum of Celtic and Gallo-Roman Antiquities": since then, it has changed its name to Musée d'Archéologie nationale and continues to acquire numerous objects - three million of which 29,000 are on display - from the Paleolithic to the early Middle Ages.
Discover this remarkable monument and its collections during the Heritage Days, with a range of activities suitable for the whole family.
Students from JSAMAN (Jeunes de la Société des Amis du musée d'Archéologie nationale) and from the Terra Antiqua - Études des Sociétés association at Sorbonne Université, will be on hand to help you discover the museum's permanent collections, with post-mediation on emblematic works from the Neolithic, Bronze Age, First Iron Age (Celtic period) and Second Iron Age (Gallic period).
The Piette Room is unlike any other museum room in the world.
This exhibition room is first and foremost remarkable for what it contains: a fabulous collection of prehistoric tools, weapons and artefacts discovered in the 19th century by Édouard Piette during excavations in the Pyrenees.
Numerous masterpieces are on display, including the famous "Dame à la Capuche" discovered at Brassempouy, in the Landes region of France. The scenography has remained unchanged since the 19th century.
In this workshop, children discover prehistoric animals and the art of depicting them over 15,000 years ago.
Using wooden stencils, felt-tip pens or natural elements such as charcoal or ochre, they can then create their own panel in the manner of the first artists, and turn it into a collective work of art.
Duration: 1h - Children aged 3 to 5 (adult presence required).
The curators of the Musée d'Archéologie Nationale will present a talk-flash (15 minutes maximum) on an object from their collections or reserves, in connection with the theme of the 41st European Heritage Days: "Heritage of routes, networks and con-nexions" and "Maritime heritage". (Full program to come)
Today a museum, once the residence of kings!
Saint Louis, Charles V, François I, Louis XIV, Molière, Lully... Many historical figures and events have taken place at the Château royal de Saint-Germain-en-Laye.
Around a model of the estate in the mid-17th century, discover the fascinating history of the château and its evolution, with commentary by Corinne Jouys-Barbelin, curator in charge of the documentary resources department.
Rediscover the gestures and techniques of our ancestors by creating a painting inspired by prehistoric models presented in the form of photographs.
A workshop designed to share a moment of creativity with the whole family: children, parents and grandparents are welcome!
Duration: 1h30 - For families aged 6 and over.
Accompanied by a guide who speaks French sign language, discover exceptional collections from the Neolithic period to the end of Gallic independence, and be amazed by the technical, human and artistic wealth of these men and women of the past.
Duration: 1h30 - Adults/Adolescents.
The Trojan War has been going on for almost ten years. It pits the Achaeans from all over Greece against the Trojans and their allies. Facing the fortified city, the hundreds of ships of the besiegers lie on the beach and serve as their encampment...
Discover the epics of The Iliad and The Odyssey through the museum's collections.
Duration: 1h - For families aged 7 and over.
The château, now home to the Musée d'Archéologie Nationale, and once a royal residence, will tell you all about its history, from its occupation by the most famous kings of France to its transformation into the Musée des Antiquités Nationales by Napoleon III.
This visit will also enable you to discover the life of our ancestors through exceptional collections from the Neolithic to the end of Gaulish independence. Let yourself be surprised by the technical, human and artistic riches of these men and women of the past.
Duration: 1h30 - From 13 years old.
A bucolic tour offering a different perspective on the history and architecture of the château. You can also discover the history of the national estate on a stroll through the gardens.
Duration: 1h30 - From 13 years.
By the Neolithic period, man had become a producer of his own food and learned to control his environment. The first villages were built. Technical innovations were born: polished stone, weaving and ceramics.
After a tour of the Neolithic collection and a look at the way of life in our region, the children take part in a workshop where they learn how to assemble a ceramic using one of the techniques used at the time: the colombin or the stretched clod technique. Everyone leaves with the pottery they've made
Duration: 2h - From age 8.
You won't be disappointed! But don't forget to reserve your place in advance to take part in the activities. If the weather's fine, we'd even recommend a picnic in the gardens- a moment of timeless relaxation guaranteed!
Dates and Opening Time
From September 21, 2024 to September 22, 2024
Location
National Archaeology Museum
Domaine National de Saint-Germain-en-Laye
78100 Saint Germain en Laye
Prices
Free
Official website
musee-archeologienationale.fr
The Museum of National Archaeology - Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye
