Musée Saint-Raymond
Explore Toulouse's ancient past through Roman sculptures, Egyptian mummies, and medieval finds in a stunning 16th-century building.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Musée Saint-Raymond
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Toulouse's ancient past through Roman sculptures, Egyptian mummies, and medieval finds in a stunning 16th-century building.
"A surprising gem with high-quality exhibits at an affordable price, offering deep insight into ancient history."
🎟️ Toulouse Pass Value
The Toulouse Pass includes admission, saving you money if you plan to visit multiple attractions.
🗣️ English Descriptions
Most exhibits have helpful English descriptions, making it easy to understand the history.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gallo-Roman Sculptures
Ground floor
Marvel at intricate Roman sculptures, including busts and reliefs, offering a glimpse into ancient life.
Egyptian Sarcophagi & Mummy
First floor
Be amazed by outstanding displays of Egyptian sarcophagi and an incredibly well-preserved mummy.
Prehistoric & Medieval Finds
Various floors
Explore artifacts from prehistoric times to the medieval centuries, showcasing the region's rich history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Unlock Toulouse's Ancient Past
A Treasure Trove of Artifacts
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Weekend in Toulouse
🎟️ Toulouse Pass Value
The Toulouse Pass includes admission, saving you money if you plan to visit multiple attractions.
🗣️ English Descriptions
Most exhibits have helpful English descriptions, making it easy to understand the history.
Visiting Toulouse
⬆️ Explore Upper Floors
Don't miss the upper floors for Egyptian artifacts and impressive Roman busts.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
With so much to see, dedicate at least an hour to fully appreciate the collections.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Toulouse Pass Value
The Toulouse Pass includes admission, saving you money if you plan to visit multiple attractions.
🗣️ English Descriptions
Most exhibits have helpful English descriptions, making it easy to understand the history.
⬆️ Explore Upper Floors
Don't miss the upper floors for Egyptian artifacts and impressive Roman busts.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
With so much to see, dedicate at least an hour to fully appreciate the collections.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Musée Saint-Raymond as a surprising gem, offering high-quality exhibits at an affordable price. The Gallo-Roman artifacts, Egyptian collection, and well-preserved mummy are frequently highlighted. While most find the English descriptions helpful, the display of the mummy has raised ethical concerns for some.
"This is an archaeological museum, specializing in artifacts from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages, with a particular focus on the Gallo-Roman period. It offers deep insight into the ancient history and early Christian heritage of Toulouse and the wider Occitanie region. The museum is housed in a 16th-century former university residence, which has served as a museum since 1892. The collections include Roman sculptures, funerary steles, everyday objects, and early medieval relics, offering a chronological journey through the region’s ancient civilizations.
※ Included in the Toulouse Pass Tourisme."
Seokjin Ham
"Given the 5 eur entrance fee I wasn't expecting much but was amazed by the displays. Not so much the Roman era busts, coins and mosaics, or pre Roman artefacts which were vaguely interesting to myself (although the very fun set of reliefs of the Labours of Hercules was a great reminder of those epic legends and a highlight), and much more by teh temporary exhibition on the 1st floor with outstanding displays of Egyptian sarcophagi, an incredibly well preserved mummy and other ancient Egyptian as well as European medieval artefacts. I happily spent over an hour here taking it all in.
According to the signage, only 3% of their collection is on display at any one time, which boggles the mind - if the other objects are of the same quality and all went on display, they could open mini Louvre!
Worth every cent of those 5 eurs for entry."
Gergely Stewart
"A fantastic museum filled with some very high quality exhibits. Almost all of the exhibits also provided English descriptions.
The video at the start of the museum (on the top floor) was also very informative."
Ryan Smith
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Musée Saint-Raymond is centrally located in Toulouse. You can easily reach it by foot if you're exploring the city center. Public transport options include buses and the metro. The nearest metro stations are Capitole and Esquirol, both a short walk away.
Parking in the city center can be challenging and expensive. It's recommended to use public transport or walk. If you must drive, look for underground parking garages like 'Capitole' or 'Victor Hugo'.
Yes, Musée Saint-Raymond is within walking distance of many key Toulouse landmarks, including the Capitole and the Basilica of Saint-Sernin.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is very affordable, typically around 5 euros. This offers excellent value for the quality and quantity of exhibits.
Yes, the Toulouse Pass Tourisme includes admission to Musée Saint-Raymond, making it a cost-effective option if you plan to visit multiple sites.
Opening hours can vary, so it's always best to check the official museum website before your visit. Generally, it's open during typical museum hours, but it's wise to confirm.
For general admission, booking in advance is usually not necessary, especially on weekdays. However, for special exhibitions or group visits, it's advisable to check their policy.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or specific groups. The Toulouse Pass also offers a bundled discount. Check the museum's official website for the most current information on pricing and discounts.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum focuses on archaeology and history, with collections spanning prehistoric times, the Gallo-Roman period, and the early Middle Ages. You'll find Roman sculptures, mosaics, everyday objects, Egyptian artifacts, and medieval relics.
Yes, a significant portion of the exhibits are helpfully interpreted in English, making the museum accessible to a wider range of visitors.
Many visitors are surprised by the sheer volume of the collection, with only a small percentage on display. Highlights include Egyptian sarcophagi, a mummy, and numerous Roman imperial busts.
The museum offers a historical journey that can be engaging for older children interested in history and ancient civilizations. The visual displays of artifacts can capture their attention.
The museum is well-laid out, guiding visitors chronologically through different historical periods. It's housed within a historic 16th-century building, adding to the ambiance.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Typically, museums of this size do not have extensive dining facilities. It's advisable to plan for meals before or after your visit.
The museum is located in the heart of Toulouse, surrounded by numerous cafes, bistros, and restaurants offering a variety of cuisines. The nearby Place du Capitole and the Carmes market area are great for food options.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is often permitted, but it's best to check for any specific restrictions or signage within the museum.
The Egyptian sarcophagi and mummy, the detailed Roman sculptures, and the impressive collection of Celtic torques are often considered highly photogenic. The historic architecture of the building itself is also noteworthy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on the more visually striking exhibits like the Roman busts and the Egyptian mummy (though be mindful of potential sensitivities). The English descriptions are a plus for older children who can read and learn independently. It's a great opportunity to spark curiosity about the past in a manageable and accessible setting within Toulouse.
💰 Budget Travelers
Furthermore, if you plan on visiting other attractions in Toulouse, purchasing the Toulouse Pass can provide significant savings, as it includes admission to this museum. This makes it an even more attractive option for those looking to maximize their experience without overspending.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Time: The Collections
Beyond the Roman era, the museum boasts a fascinating early Christian heritage section and significant medieval artifacts. A surprising highlight for many is the Egyptian collection, which includes striking sarcophagi and a remarkably well-preserved mummy. This unexpected depth adds a layer of global historical context to the regional focus, making the museum a surprisingly diverse experience.
It's important to note that the museum's collection is vast, with only a fraction displayed at any given time. This means that what you see is a curated selection, hinting at the immense historical wealth housed within its walls. The museum's commitment to providing English descriptions for most exhibits ensures that international visitors can fully appreciate the significance of these historical treasures.
The Historic Setting: A 16th-Century Residence
Walking through the museum, you're not just observing history; you're immersed in it, surrounded by the echoes of centuries past. The contrast between the ancient objects and the Renaissance architecture creates a unique and memorable ambiance. This integration of historical setting and collection makes the museum more than just an exhibition space; it's a journey through time within a historically significant structure.
Visitor Perspectives on the Mummy Exhibit
This sentiment reflects a growing public sensibility regarding the respectful treatment of human remains, even those from ancient times. Some visitors believe that displaying a partially unwrapped mummy in a glass case for public viewing may not align with modern ethical considerations for human dignity. The hope is expressed that the museum team will review this aspect of their exhibition, acknowledging that the remoteness of death should not overshadow the respect due to a human being.
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