Construction of mausoleum Ier siècle apr. J.-C. (≈ 150)
By an easy Gallo-Roman family.
1944
Sisteron Bombardment
Sisteron Bombardment 1944 (≈ 1944)
Later discovery of the mausoleum during reconstructions.
1946
Henry Rolland Searches
Henry Rolland Searches 1946 (≈ 1946)
The Gallo-Roman mausoleum was revealed.
1950
Opening of the museum
Opening of the museum 1950 (≈ 1950)
First installation avenue des Arcades.
juillet 2016
Transfer to Ornano building
Transfer to Ornano building juillet 2016 (≈ 2016)
New modern-scenographed permanent exhibition.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Key figures
Henri Rolland - Archaeologist
Directed the excavations of the mausoleum in 1946.
Origin and history
The Gallo-Roman Museum of Sisteron was founded in 1950, Avenue des Arcades, to house the remains of an ancient mausoleum discovered in 1946 during the reconstruction of the city after the bombings of 1944. The excavations, conducted by Henri Rolland, revealed this first century AD funeral monument, erected by a rich Gallo-Roman family. The museum was then enriched with donations and other local discoveries, illustrating the evolution of Sisteron (formerly Segustero) since Neolithic.
In July 2016, the museum was transferred to the Ornano building, a 16th century mansion. Its permanent exhibition highlights Gallo-Roman funeral rites, through archaeological objects, videos, slideshows and reconstructions. The collections also cover trade between the local peoples and Marseilles in the 2nd century BC, as well as daily life, beliefs and crafts from antiquity to contemporary times.
The museum benefits from the label Musée de France and is distinguished by its modern scenography. Among its main pieces is an exceptional set from the mausoleum of the I-II century, reflecting the high social status of its sponsors. The current address, 8 rue Saunerie in Sisteron, confirms its anchoring in the historical and cultural heritage of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.
