Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The departmental archaeological museum of Val-d'Oise, inaugurated on September 30, 1983, succeeds the small archaeological museum of Guiry-en-Vexin, created in 1955 by the Centre de Recherche Archéologique du Vexin Français (C.R.A.V.F.). Originally installed in the town hall, it was expanded by an agreement signed in 1978 between the Department and the C.R.A.V.F., allowing the construction of a contemporary building of 1,500 m2, financed to 60% by the Department and 40% by the State. An extension in 1992 brought the exposure space to nearly 1,000 m2.

The museum presents more than 3,000 archaeological objects, including merovingian steles, tools, coins and sculptures, covering from Paleolithic to 20th century. Its collections come mainly from excavations carried out between 1955 and 1978, as well as recent discoveries in Val-d'Oise. Among the remarkable pieces are the Gaulish arms of Episcopal-Rhus, the ancient statues of Genainville, and the concrete statues of the Soviet pavilion of the 1937 International Exhibition, found in 2004.

The first room is dedicated to regional geology, explaining the substrate and environment that influenced human activities. The museum also offers an educational space, La Passerelle, where children discover the stages of archaeology, from excavation to exhibition. An annual temporary exhibition and cultural events complete its offer.

Located opposite the castle of Guiry-en-Vexin, in the Regional Natural Park of the French Vexin, the museum harmoniously integrates into a historical and natural setting. Its reserves contain more than 30,000 objects, intended for future study or development. Initial funding and partnerships with the C.R.A.V.F. helped preserve a unique archaeological heritage in Île-de-France.

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