Musee de la Romanite (Museum of Roman Civilization), Nimes (must see)
Opened in 2018 the Museum of Romanity breathes new life into the former Museum of Archaeology, previously situated at the historic Jesuits' College on the Boulevard Amiral-Courbet.
The museum's inception was driven by a series of remarkable archaeological discoveries made between 2006 and 2007 at the Allées Jaurès in Nîmes. These discoveries included a domus, or Roman house, and two extraordinary mosaics featuring scenes of Achilles and Pentheus. Notably, experts in the field of archaeology have drawn parallels between these findings and those uncovered in the renowned ancient city of Pompeii.
The Museum of Romanity seamlessly melds the original archaeology collection with these more recent and exceptional archaeological revelations. Housed within an ultra-modern building, which intriguingly resembles a "folded glass toga," the museum is strategically situated along the historic site of the old Roman ramparts, directly facing the iconic 2,000-year-old Arènes de Nîmes.
The exhibits span a wide temporal spectrum, encompassing items from the prehistoric Iron Age to Gallo-Roman relics such as ceramics, bronze tableware, lamps, toiletry articles, and clothing accessories.
Among the museum's standout attractions are its impressive Roman coin collection and meticulously detailed mosaics that vividly transport visitors back in time, offering glimpses into the everyday life of this bygone era.
Stepping outside, the museum's archaeological garden invites exploration, offering insights into the city's multifaceted ancient heritage. Landscaped with lush Mediterranean flora, this garden features three distinct levels, each representing a different historical period: pre-Roman, classical Roman, and post-Roman eras.
Designed with tourists in mind, the museum boasts a rooftop terrace that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Additionally, visitors can explore a well-stocked bookstore and gift shop. For dining options, the Musée de la Romanité caters to various tastes. The Café du Musée, a casual eatery with entrance at 16 Boulevard des Arènes, serves breakfast, lunch, snacks, and evening meals daily, with sunny patio seating.
The museum's inception was driven by a series of remarkable archaeological discoveries made between 2006 and 2007 at the Allées Jaurès in Nîmes. These discoveries included a domus, or Roman house, and two extraordinary mosaics featuring scenes of Achilles and Pentheus. Notably, experts in the field of archaeology have drawn parallels between these findings and those uncovered in the renowned ancient city of Pompeii.
The Museum of Romanity seamlessly melds the original archaeology collection with these more recent and exceptional archaeological revelations. Housed within an ultra-modern building, which intriguingly resembles a "folded glass toga," the museum is strategically situated along the historic site of the old Roman ramparts, directly facing the iconic 2,000-year-old Arènes de Nîmes.
The exhibits span a wide temporal spectrum, encompassing items from the prehistoric Iron Age to Gallo-Roman relics such as ceramics, bronze tableware, lamps, toiletry articles, and clothing accessories.
Among the museum's standout attractions are its impressive Roman coin collection and meticulously detailed mosaics that vividly transport visitors back in time, offering glimpses into the everyday life of this bygone era.
Stepping outside, the museum's archaeological garden invites exploration, offering insights into the city's multifaceted ancient heritage. Landscaped with lush Mediterranean flora, this garden features three distinct levels, each representing a different historical period: pre-Roman, classical Roman, and post-Roman eras.
Designed with tourists in mind, the museum boasts a rooftop terrace that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Additionally, visitors can explore a well-stocked bookstore and gift shop. For dining options, the Musée de la Romanité caters to various tastes. The Café du Musée, a casual eatery with entrance at 16 Boulevard des Arènes, serves breakfast, lunch, snacks, and evening meals daily, with sunny patio seating.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Nimes. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Musee de la Romanite (Museum of Roman Civilization) on Map
Sight Name: Musee de la Romanite (Museum of Roman Civilization)
Sight Location: Nimes, France (See walking tours in Nimes)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Nimes, France (See walking tours in Nimes)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Nimes, France
Create Your Own Walk in Nimes
Creating your own self-guided walk in Nimes is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Ancient Roman Ruins in Nimes
Nicknamed “the French Rome,” the southern French town of Nimes is indeed the most Roman city outside of Italy. In large part, this is due to a wealth of architectural monuments that have remained here since the Roman era. Some ruined and some well-preserved, they offer a captivating glimpse into the ancient history stretching back to the early days of Roman expansion.
A true testament to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
A true testament to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Nimes Introduction Walking Tour
Dubbed the most Roman city outside Italy, Nimes, a small city in Southern France, is steeped in history that harks back to the days of the mighty Roman Empire.
The name itself holds clues to the city's origin, reflecting Celtic roots and connection with the local god, Nemausus, associated with a healing spring.
The hill of Mount Cavalier, once an oppidum, served as the birthplace of... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
The name itself holds clues to the city's origin, reflecting Celtic roots and connection with the local god, Nemausus, associated with a healing spring.
The hill of Mount Cavalier, once an oppidum, served as the birthplace of... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles