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Key figures

Origin and history

The archaeological museum of Saint-Romain-en-Gal was inaugurated in 1996 to enhance the remains of a part of the Roman city of Vienna, discovered during rescue excavations. The site, located on the right bank of the Rhone 30 km south of Lyon, extends over more than three hectares and features exceptional mosaics, including that of the Lycurgues Punishment (1900). The collections illustrate daily life in this prosperous city of Roman Gaul, with an ethno-archeological approach including models and reconstructions.

The museum includes a workshop dedicated to the restoration of mosaics and murals, highlighting its scientific role. The contemporary buildings, designed by architects Philippe Chaix and Jean-Paul Morel, combine metal and glass structures for harmonious transparency with the landscape. The museum journey highlights the economic importance of Vienna, the capital of a territory covering the Dauphiné and Savoy, through objects and decorations reflecting local know-how.

Among the major pieces are the mosaic of the winning athletes and a model of Vienna in the second century. The museum also offers a restitution of a Roman house, allowing visitors to dive into the atmosphere of antiquity. Labeled Musée de France, it enjoys a precise location (RD 502, Saint-Romain-en-Gal) and recognition for its scientific and educational quality.

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