Frequently asked questions
What is a library museum?
The Inguimbertine library museum is one-of-a-kind in France. It is a new iteration of the historical belief that knowledge is transferred through both writing and images. Its collections comprise books, works of art, archaeological, scientific and ethnographic objects and much more.
What are the opening hours of the library museum?
April to October: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed on Mondays)
November to March: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. (closed on Mondays)
January, 1 May and 25 December: closed.
What are the opening hours of the multimedia library?
Tuesday to Friday: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Mondays and public holidays: closed.
How much time does a visit to the museum take?
For your first visit with an audio guide, you should plan for about 1 hour. That said, the collections are so rich and fascinating that even 3 hours might not be enough to satiate your curiosity and quench your thirst for knowledge!
What can I see at the museum?
940 works of art on display in the museum and multimedia library. In our storage areas, we also look after
55,000 ancient printed works, 220 incunabula prints, 3400 manuscripts including 300 that are illuminated, 10,600 coins and medals, 800 seals, 1200 paintings, 500 sculptures, 40,000 graphic art documents, 32,000 items relating to archaeology and the natural sciences, 3500 ethnographic objects, and 500 decorative art objects.
Click here.
How can I buy tickets for the museum?
You can buy tickets directly from the reception of the library museum at 180 Place Aristide Briand, or by clicking here.
What is the cost of entry?
The normal entry fee is €8 (without temporary exhibitions) or €12 (during temporary exhibitions).
Are there discounted rates for children?
Children under 12 can come for free, and children and young adults aged 12-25 pay a discounted rate of €5.
Is there a discounted rate?
Yes. People aged 12 to 25 years, groups of 8 people or more, people with disabilities (with a disability card), people receiving social welfare*, holders of the Culture pass, beneficiaries of partnerships (as part of joint agreements): €5 (without temporary exhibitions) or €8 (during temporary exhibitions)
*RSA: Revenu de solidarité active (jobseekers’ allowance), AAH: Allocation aux adultes handicapés (welfare for adults with disabilities), ASS: Allocation de Solidarité Spécifique (welfare for specific solidarity), ADA: Allocation pour Demandeur d’Asile (welfare for asylum seekers), AER: Allocation Équivalent Retraite (retirement pension), ARE: Allocation de Retour à l’Emploi (back-to-work welfare).
What methods of payment are accepted?
Cash and card.
Which entrance should I use if I bought my tickets online?
Go to the first floor of the hôtel-Dieu and scan your ticket at the gate.
Do you accept ‘chèques-vacances’ holiday cheques?
We cannot accept chèques-vacances yet. We will let you know when our methods of payment change.
Do I need to print out my ticket?
The ticket gates can scan digital tickets, so you don’t need to print out your ticket.
Is the library museum open on French public holidays?
Yes, except for 1 May and 25 December. The museum is closed throughout the whole of January.
Who can visit for free and when?
- On the first Sunday of every month for holders of subscription cards for the multimedia library
- For children up to 11 years
- For holders of a European Youth Card, ICOM (International Council of Museums) card, or conference guide card
- During the European Night of Museums and European Heritage Days.
Where is the entrance?
There are three entrances: the main entrance (on Place Aristide Briand), the side entrance of the Hôtel-Dieu (Avenue du Comtat Venaissin – TEMPORARILY CLOSED), and the back of the building (from the Général Khelifa car park).
Is the museum accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, the entire building can be accessed from the main entrance at 180 Place Aristide Briand.
Where can I park?
Several PRM spaces are available on the car park of the Tourist Office located on the square of August 25, 1944.
Does the museum offer guided visits?
Yes. To arrange one, please click here.
Can I organise a school trip?
Yes. To arrange one, please click here
Do you organise events for children?
Yes, you can browse our programme of activities here.
Is there a place to eat?
You can use the Garden of the Nuns to sit down and have a snack, or you can use our cafeteria.
Are prams/pushchairs allowed in the museum?
Yes.
Are there special exhibitions?
Yes, you can come and discover a new temporary exhibition every year!
Can I leave and come back during the same day using the same ticket?
Your ticket is valid for a whole day. You can therefore enjoy discovering our fantastic collections, the city’s heritage, and local shopping opportunities all at your leisure.
Do you have a map of the museum?
Yes. It can be collected from reception in a choice of seven languages. You can download the online version here. (pdf - 1.90 MB)
Is there a specific route to follow for the visit?
There is a recommended route shown in the map of the museum, but you are free to organise your visit how you want.
How much does it cost to park at the museum?
All nearby car parks are free, except the car park at the tourist information office, which is a ‘blue zone’ restricted to a 1 hour 30 minute stay.
Is there a car park?
- The “Platanes” car park (638 spaces),
- The car park at the tourist information office (56 spaces with a limited stay – ‘blue zone’, 1.5 hour stay),
- The “Général Khelifa” car park (121 spaces),
- The “Terradou” car park (12 spaces),
- The car park at the train station (247 places)
- The car park at the “coulée verte” park (305 spaces), from which you can discover the old town and its rich architectural heritage at your leisure.
Can we organise specific events at the museum?
Yes, companies can rent out some or all of the building. To submit a request, click here
Are photos allowed inside the museum?
Yes, as long as you turn the flash off. Selfie sticks are not allowed.
Is there a cloakroom?
Yes, a free cloakroom is available on the garden level.
Is there a café or restaurant inside the museum?
A cafeteria is available if you are feeling a little peckish. Click here
Can we borrow books?
All of the books and documents in the multimedia library can be consulted on site. You have to become a member of the library to be able to borrow documents. Read the conditions of membership here.
Are animals allowed in the museum?
Only guide dogs are allowed in the building.
I lost something / Do you have a lost & found area?
Please ask at reception.