Musée d'art et d'archéologie de Senlis

The Musée d'art et d'archéologie de Senlis occupies a former episcopal palace and displays artworks alongside archaeological objects spanning multiple periods. The building itself is a historical monument with exhibition spaces that were fully renovated and reorganized to improve how visitors move through and experience the collections.

The museum was founded in 1862 by an Archaeological Committee and opened in 1867 within the former episcopal palace's chapel. A comprehensive restoration project between 2007 and 2012 transformed the institution by updating its exhibition infrastructure and strengthening the preservation of the historic building.

The collections reflect the artistic tastes and daily life of different periods through objects that visitors can examine closely, from medieval religious items to Roman household goods. These pieces tell stories about how people lived in and around Senlis over centuries.

Visitors should be prepared for stairs and multiple levels due to the historical building's original structure and layout throughout the palace. Taking time to explore the different rooms methodically helps you understand how the collections are organized across the various exhibition areas.

The collection includes a 12th-century bishop's crosier that belonged to Bishop Guérin and remains one of the museum's most treasured objects due to its craftsmanship and historical weight. This single artifact demonstrates the skill and importance of ecclesiastical metalwork from that era.