Is the Musée de la Romanité Worth Visiting?

While I was planning my first trip to Nîmes, the Musée de la Romanité was immediately designated to the “if I have time” list. While I couldn’t wait to see Les Arènes, la Maison Carrée and Les Jardins de la Fontaine, the idea of passing by hundreds of dusty, half-deteriorated stone statues made me a bit sleepy. (Are you yawning as well?) But when I wandered in en route to my hotel, I was instantly energized by the dynamic, interactive displays. I instantly wished I hadn’t left this for the end of the day! The Musée de la Romanité not only merits a visit, but ample time to explore, play and discover!

A New Way of Looking at History

I am often amazed at how well the French weave together the past and the present. “Old” doesn’t have to mean stuffy and boring. Here history is brought to life, made relevant and even exciting, with the use of interactive displays, wide spaces and bright, clean color palates.

History immerses you and makes you feel connected to the past. In fact, it sets the stage for understanding the rest of the sites in Nîmes such as the Arena and the Maison Carrée. As one of the best-preserved Roman cities outside of Italy, Nîmes is a veritable history book, and this is a chapter you don’t want to miss.

It begins with a bold, contemporary exterior. At first, I wondered “am I at the right place?” It seems an unlikely packaging for Roman artifacts, but this ripped, shimmering glass façade was inspired by Roman togas! Very clever! French-Brazilian architect Elizabeth de Portzamparc made the conscious decision to not compete with the iconic Roman Arena that faces the museum. She wanted to show that history is relevant and remains visually alive today. Bravo for the exterior, but what would I find inside?

Inside the Collection

Stepping inside to wide, bright, open spaces made me immediately forget about dark, dusty museums I have visited in the past. Not only was I invited in, I was invited in … to feel a part of history … to interact in the daily life of Romans. Large mobile screens and multimedia terminals animated how people cooked, ate, worked, and slept. There were interactive touchscreen maps that allowed me to explore the various areas of Nîmes. Usually museums have artifacts and static descriptions, but here I was in control of what and how I wanted to learn and discover. The museum’s bright, colorful “Knowledge Boxes” combine text, images, and touchscreens inviting you explore through prompt questions.

Most museums have a “look but don’t touch” philosophy, but here you can walk into a reconstructed home and touch the small carvings on the rotating replica of a carved Gallic warrior’s bust. Your inner child will delight as you play and discover.

Rooftop Garden & Views

When you have enjoyed every game, touchscreen and projection, there is still one more site to take in – one that will surely take your breath away at sunset. Head up to the rooftop garden (there is an entrance outside the museum so can even come back another day if you have hit your wall!).

“The roof terrace was designed as a fifth façade open to the sky. Alternating planted areas and wooden decking, the culminant point of the route marks the pattern of the visit by giving a 360° panoramic view of Nîmes.” Musée de la Romanité

Simply sublime.

Visitor Experience

• Is it worth a visit? 100%! Even if you are not a history fan, it will bring it to life and make it relevant and entertaining.
• How long should I plan to spend there? 1-2 hours for the average visitor, 3 for the history buff!
• When is it open? Every day except Tuesday from 10 am to 6 pm (last entry at 5 pm). The museum is FREE the first Sunday of each month (excluding July & August)
• Who will love it? Kids, adults – even those who don’t love history!

Worth a Visit?

There are certain places that feel essential to understanding the heart and soul of a region. The Romans played a vital role in shaping Occitanie, and the Musée de la Romanité will ground you to the terroir you are about to discover. Spend time here laying the foundation of what is to come! And have a great time doing it!

Ready to explore? Skip the Line at the Musée de la Romanité.