Musée d'Aquitaine
Musée d'Aquitaine
4.5
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
The Musée d'Aquitaine is a museum of history and civilisation. It has been located in the former University of Bordeaux Faculty of Arts and Sciences building in the heart of the city for the last thirty years. The museum's extensive collections retrace the history of Bordeaux and Aquitaine from prehistory to the 21st century. It is one of the biggest historical museums of France.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
776 reviews
Excellent
338
Very good
338
Average
86
Poor
8
Terrible
6
PhilFGuildford
Leeds, UK57 contributions
Aug 2022
Being something of a history fan (by that I mean someone who reads a lot of history out of interest without being an expert), I would wholeheartedly recommend the Musee d'Aquitaine for any likeminded visitor to Bordeaux.
The museum is situated within the city's former premises of the Faculty of Science and Letters, a structure which dates back to 1886. Contained within its walls are thousands of items presented in chronological order, beginning with a series of prehistoric archaeological finds. The museum then moves into the Roman era of Burdigala with a large and remarkably intact mosaic dating back to the latter 4th century being particularly eye-catching.
I'm not going to spoil the surprise by detailing too much but the religious sculptures from the Middle Ages render this an essential stop off individuals who, like me, concentrated on the churches and cathedral while visiting Bordeaux. Indeed, it struck me that a lot of the museum statues appear to have originated in the aforementioned sites.
Moving into the 16th and 17th centuries, there are further sculptures. The golden age of Bordeaux in the 18th century is then presented to visitors in an honest fashion, with the information boards making it clear that as a major port, the city became wealthy through trade and that much of this was made possible by the abhorrent slave trade even if Bordeaux wasn't directly responsible for the latter. It is really interesting to learn about the city's growth and there are plenty of exhibits to illustrate the era. There is also an interesting section focused on the French Revolution.
The story continues right up to the 21st century and includes a life-size replica of a grocery store and plenty of posters. There are also non-European collections, including one which focuses on Africa and includes plenty of statues.
Finally, the gift shop is well worth a visit and I'm sure others will be tempted to spend a bit of money there as I did. Lockers are provided for backpacks etc. All in all, this museum is brilliant.
The museum is situated within the city's former premises of the Faculty of Science and Letters, a structure which dates back to 1886. Contained within its walls are thousands of items presented in chronological order, beginning with a series of prehistoric archaeological finds. The museum then moves into the Roman era of Burdigala with a large and remarkably intact mosaic dating back to the latter 4th century being particularly eye-catching.
I'm not going to spoil the surprise by detailing too much but the religious sculptures from the Middle Ages render this an essential stop off individuals who, like me, concentrated on the churches and cathedral while visiting Bordeaux. Indeed, it struck me that a lot of the museum statues appear to have originated in the aforementioned sites.
Moving into the 16th and 17th centuries, there are further sculptures. The golden age of Bordeaux in the 18th century is then presented to visitors in an honest fashion, with the information boards making it clear that as a major port, the city became wealthy through trade and that much of this was made possible by the abhorrent slave trade even if Bordeaux wasn't directly responsible for the latter. It is really interesting to learn about the city's growth and there are plenty of exhibits to illustrate the era. There is also an interesting section focused on the French Revolution.
The story continues right up to the 21st century and includes a life-size replica of a grocery store and plenty of posters. There are also non-European collections, including one which focuses on Africa and includes plenty of statues.
Finally, the gift shop is well worth a visit and I'm sure others will be tempted to spend a bit of money there as I did. Lockers are provided for backpacks etc. All in all, this museum is brilliant.
Written September 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Norman L
Gainesville, FL134 contributions
Jun 2022 • Solo
This excellent museum tells the story of Bordeaux and is an excellent orientation for visitors. The first floor is pre-history through Roman times into the early 1700s, all from the region. The second floor is from the 1700s to present and is freshly done, with many placards in French, English, and Spanish. The museum confronts Bordeaux’s role in the slave trade, its fall from grace after the French Revolution, and its remarkable rebirth in the past few decades. The English audio guide is limited but worth the 2.50 euro. I spent 3 lovely hours here.
Written June 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Graham B
Reims, France108 contributions
Mar 2022
There are far too many exhibits to see and appreciate in one visit. The visitor is led through history from pre-Roman times up to the present time. There is a big section focusing on the Slave Trade as Bordeaux was one of the principal ports involved in that trade for nearly 300 years. The audio-guide was not available due to Covid restrictions.
Written March 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Meg Clifford
Jersey, UK39 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
Let’s start with highlighting that there are some interesting artefacts in this museum however there is no attempt to make the experience interactive, immersive or fun. You just walk around and read placards. For some reason halfway through they stop having English writing on the placards so unless you know how to read French, you can no longer understand the information.
When comparing this museum to the likes of the Natural History Museum or Science Museum in London, which are FREE to enter… this museum cost €5 per person and the experience can honestly only be summed up as boring by comparison.
Another let down was that I didn’t really learn anything about Aquitaine… it was just general prehistoric history, followed by the history of the slave trade and then modern history - I felt none of these were specific to the Aquitaine region which one would think they should be when featured in the ‘Museum of Aquitaine’.
The gift shop is rubbish & there’s no cafe at the end to have a rest from the boredom of this attraction. Save your money and visit some of the other brilliant attractions in Bordeaux.
When comparing this museum to the likes of the Natural History Museum or Science Museum in London, which are FREE to enter… this museum cost €5 per person and the experience can honestly only be summed up as boring by comparison.
Another let down was that I didn’t really learn anything about Aquitaine… it was just general prehistoric history, followed by the history of the slave trade and then modern history - I felt none of these were specific to the Aquitaine region which one would think they should be when featured in the ‘Museum of Aquitaine’.
The gift shop is rubbish & there’s no cafe at the end to have a rest from the boredom of this attraction. Save your money and visit some of the other brilliant attractions in Bordeaux.
Written April 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ellie S
20 contributions
Feb 2022 • Couples
Not for me. There was no English translation, which I shouldn't have expected at all, albeit someone in the latest review saying so...
Lots of Roman and prehistoric artefacts but I wanted to learn more about Bordeaux itself.
The staff also didn't offer an audio guide despite there being multiple signs of one inside the exhibits.
Lots of Roman and prehistoric artefacts but I wanted to learn more about Bordeaux itself.
The staff also didn't offer an audio guide despite there being multiple signs of one inside the exhibits.
Written February 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rdlm2020
Lisbon, Portugal40 contributions
Mar 2022 • Family
The museum is amazing! It has many things to see, since the pre-historical times in Bordeaux to its 21st century history. You need some time to see everything. The only thing that needs improvement are the plates ans explanations around the museum - all of them, with really few exceptions, are in French, with makes it very difficult for non-french speakers to enjoy the museum to the fullest. However, looking around is still a pretty cool activity to do when in Bordeaux.
Written March 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Intlxpatr
Pensacola, FL1,722 contributions
Oct 2019
We spent extra time in Bordeaux just to see this museum. Although we had come to see the Jan Moulin collection, which was not available, we were astonished and delighted and captivated by what we could see - a sweep of history from early man to the present. Most impressive, to us, was the section on maritime trade, with animations and illustrations which brought it alive, and the spirited taking responsibility for and apology for the slave trade, with a homage to African cultures shattered by the slave trade. We will probably go back to Bordeaux to visit again, we were so impressed.
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claire G
Pessac-sur-Dordogne, France47 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
This is an excellent museum - worth more than one visit. You are led through the history of the region from prehistoric times through to the present day. There are lots of great exhibits, loads of space, and everything on the ground floor is translated into English. The upper floor includes lots of information about Bordeaux’s trading links with the rest of the world. For only 5 euros each it is really good value.
Written August 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shardsman
Indio, CA74 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
First visit to this museum to see pre-history era an Roman era of Aquitaine. All on level one. There are lots of artifacts and great displays of both eras of Aquitaine. If you are a history buff, you will enjoy this museum. I plan to return to see exhibits of medieval and modern history.
Written March 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SergioR1
Eastbourne, UK277 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Centrally located and near a tramway spot. A good way to understand the city and region. Superb collection of Roman archeology: mosaics, statues, estellas etc. Good collection of local ethnographic history, world cultures and slave trade. City development and main trade. All well presented in different languages: French, English & Spanish. Friendly staff you can get out and back into the museum with your ticket.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melmoe83
Province of Bergamo, Italy718 contributions
Goodmorning , is there a space to leave the trolley (suitcase)?
Alessandra S
Messina, Italy36 contributions
Buongiorno, sarete aperti il giorno di Pasqua e/o Pasquetta?
palaseauirene
Palaiseau, France4 contributions
Ou se garer à proximité
Pepe M
Sant Cugat del Valles, Spain284 contributions
en la Calle Victor Hugo, saliendo del museo a la izquierda y antes de llegar a la Torre de la Grosse Cloche hay un parquing
David A
Bentonville, AR176 contributions
Is this museum included on the city pass you can purchase ?
Thanks
David
Musée d'Aquitaine
Bordeaux, France
Hello David,
Thanks for your answer.
If you are talking about the Bordeaux Métropole City Pass, yes, the Musée d'Aquitaine is included in and will be free for you.
Best regards,
Le Musée d'Aquitaine
tichoupere
Meaux, France37 contributions
prix d'entree
Musée d'Aquitaine
Bordeaux, France
Bonjour,
l'entrée au musée pour les collections permanentes est de 4€ (réduit 2€) et pour les expositions temporaires de 6.50€ (réduit 3.50€).
Vous pouvez retrouver toutes les informations concernant les tarifs et les horaires sur notre site internet.
A bientôt au musée d'Aquitaine !
Musée d'Aquitaine (Bordeaux) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Musée d'Aquitaine
- Musée d'Aquitaine is open:
- Tue - Sun 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- We recommend booking Musée d'Aquitaine tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 3 Musée d'Aquitaine tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Musée d'Aquitaine:
- (0.03 mi) Relais Akena Bordeaux West
- (0.09 mi) Hotel Le Pavillon
- (0.09 mi) Les Nuits Bordelaises
- (0.14 mi) L'Invitation Au Voyage
- (0.10 mi) Hotel la Madeleine
- Restaurants near Musée d'Aquitaine:
- (0.03 mi) Messieurs Croquent
- (0.10 mi) Son' Restaurant
- (0.07 mi) Creperie Gourmands
- (0.08 mi) Lauza
- (0.07 mi) Wok Way
Musée d'Aquitaine Information
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