Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Sainte-Croix Museum, inaugurated in 1974 in Poitiers, is the work of architect Jean Monge, winner of the Silver Square. It replaces the former Sainte-Croix Abbey and is part of the brutalist current of the 1970s with a concrete and glass structure. His collections, organized chronologically, cover Prehistory, Antiquity, the Middle Ages and Fine Arts, while highlighting the Poitou regional history. The museum also includes archaeological excavations on its site.

The first museum in Poitiers dates back to 1820, originally housed in the town hall. In 1947, a major donation from the Société des Antiquaires de l'Ouest enriched its collections, particularly in archaeology and numismatics. The current building, labeled "Twentieth Century Heritage" in 2015, now houses more than 1.2 million objects, including works from the Rupert de Chièvres Museum (closed in 2009). In 2024, an exceptional legacy of 500 women's works, La Musée, strengthened its collection.

The museum's collections include major pieces such as Magdalenian engravings from the Marche cave, Gallo-Roman sculptures, or stucco decorations from the 5th century of Vouneuil-sous-Biard, unique in France. The Beaux-Arts section presents paintings and sculptures from the 18th to the 20th century, with works by Rodin, Camille Claudel, or Delacroix. The graphic art firm maintains drawings and photographs, while temporary exhibitions explore various themes, such as The Museum (2024-2025).

The museum plays a key role in the conservation of Poitevin heritage, working with the National Heritage Institute for Restoration. Its outsourced reserves in Vouneuil-sous-Biard release 1,000 m2 of exposure space. The museum route also evokes the history of Poitiers, through works such as the See of Poitiers in 1569 by François Nautré or the royal statues of the Château de Richelieu.

Architecturally, the museum is distinguished by its brutalist style, marked by imposing volumes and raw materials. The "Twentieth Century Heritage" label underlines its importance in the history of French cultural architecture. Past exhibitions, such as the Romanesque Age (2011) or Amor to death (2012), reflect his commitment to combining archaeology, art and local history.

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