Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Nivernais Archaeological Museum is housed in the Croux Gate, a medieval tower built at the end of the 14th century in Nevers. This fortified monument, typical of the defensive architecture of the time, once marked a strategic entrance into the city. Its history is linked to the preservation of local heritage, as evidenced by its subsequent transformation into a museum space.

In 1847, the tower was acquired by Baron Denis de Vertpré, a patron who was keen to enhance the Nivernais antiques. When he died, he left the building to the municipality of Nevers, provided that it was restored and converted into a museum dedicated to the archaeological remains of the Nièvre. This legacy allowed to form an eclectic collection, combining Greek, Roman, medieval and religious art.

Today, the museum still occupies the Rue de la Porte-du-Croux, in the heart of Nevers. Its rooms house rooms from local and regional excavations, offering a panorama of the ancient and medieval history of Nivernais. The building itself, by its preserved architecture, is a tangible testimony to the defensive and cultural past of the city.

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