Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Musée de la Tour des Échevins came into being in 1673, when it was founded to preserve the remains of the Roman baths in Luxeuil, becoming one of the oldest archaeology museums in France. His collections, initially dispersed, were grouped in 1947 in the thermal establishment before being transferred in 1965 to the tower of the Echevins, a Gothic building of the late 15th century. This monument, also called Square House, symbolizes urban history and local architectural heritage.

In 1933, Jules Adler, a native artist from Luxeuil, opened a museum in his city, later enriched by his legacy in 1952. This fund complemented existing collections, combining Gallo-Roman archaeology and regional art. The tower now houses unique funeral steles (I–III centuries), former Gaulish votos discovered in 1865 near thermal springs, as well as sigillated ceramics and 19th–XX century paintings. Its summit, accessible after 146 steps, offers stunning views of the Jura and Vosges mountains.

The museum highlights the cult of thermal deities in ancient times, illustrated by objects discovered on site, such as ex-votos and Gallo-Roman luxury dishes, partially produced in local workshops. A room is dedicated to Jules Adler, while other works by regional artists bear witness to the cultural life of Franche-Comté in the 19th and 20th centuries. The tower, classified as a Historical Monument, embodies both a medieval heritage and a place of archaeological memory.

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