Interpretation Centre for Architecture and Heritage
La Maison de l’Archéologie (The House of Archaeology), 2000 years of history, over a century of excavation
The Maison de l’Archéologie invites visitors to discover the history of the commune of Thérouanne, from its Gallic origins to the present day. It is part of a multi-service third place called the Maison de la Morinie.
Parcourez les 4 périodes historiques de l’exposition permanente de la Maison de l’Archéologie.
Retrouvez ici les renseignements utiles à votre venue à la Maison de l’Archéologie.
Explore the four historical periods featured in the permanent exhibition at the Maison de l’Archéologie.
Discover the temporary exhibition on display at the Maison de l’Archéologie.
Find all the information to plan your visit to the Maison de l’Archéologie here.
Agenda
The Maison de l’Archéologie offers themed guided tours, creative workshops, shows and conferences on the latest developments in archaeological research.
Practical information
The Maison de l’Archéologie welcomes visitors year-round.
Price : Free
Horaires
- During peak season* :
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday: 10h to 12h and 14h to 17h
Saturday and Sunday: 14h to 17h
* From spring break to All Saints’ break
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The rest of the year :Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday: 14h to 17h
- Parking :
Parking is located behind the Maison de l’Archéologie, on Rue Saint-Jean. It can be accessed via Rue de Boulogne, then Chemin de la Vieille Ville.
- Accessible to persons with reduced mobility
The Maison de l’Archéologie has a gift shop. It sells specialist books, postcards, hiking trails and other products related to local history and heritage.
maison de l’archéologie
Learn more about the Maison de l’Archéologie
The Maison de l’Archéologie is located on the ground floor of the Maison de la Morinie, a community facility belonging to the Communauté d’agglomération du Pays de Saint-Omer (CAPSO, Community of the Agglomeration of the Land of Saint-Omer). The tour presents the significant historical events that shaped the Morinie region and its capital, Thérouanne, from the end of the Iron Age to the present day.
The displayed artifacts come from excavations led in Thérouanne and its surroundings. They belong to the archaeological collections of the museums of Saint-Omer, the municipality of Thérouanne, and to the State.
To enhance your discovery, our guides offer guided tours, also available in English and Dutch upon request. Whether visiting alone, with family, or in a group, the Maison du Patrimoine welcomes you and supports you for a rewarding experience. To learn about visiting arrangements, please contact us.
The Maison du Patrimoine
Continue your journey through time by visiting the Maison du Patrimoine in Saint-Omer. Uncover even more of the region’s history!
Le Pays d’art et d’histoire de Saint-Omer (The Land of Art and History of Saint-Omer)
The national label « Ville et Pays d’art et d’histoire » (City and Land of Art and History)
The national label « Ville et Pays d’art et d’histoire » is awarded to the territories committed to embracing their heritage built and maintained by their residents and actively engaging in understanding, preserving, and developing the architectural quality and living environment.
Le pays d’art et d’histoire de Saint-Omer is made up by the 32 municipalities of the Communauté d’Agglomération du Pays de Saint-Omer (CAPSO), which has entrusted the management of the label to l’Agence d’urbanisme, de développement et du patrimoine du Pays de Saint-Omer.(The Agency of Urbanism, Development, and Heritage of the Land of Saint-Omer).
The 10-year agreement signed in 2014 between the Agglomération and the Ministry of Culture consists of many objectives, including the creation of Center of Interpretation of Architecture and Heritage.
The Interpretation Centre of Architecture and Heritage
La Maison de l’Archéologie, together with the Maison du Patrimoine in Saint-Omer, is one of the two sites of the interpretation centre.
As a local cultural structure, the Centre d’interprétation de l’architecture et du patrimoine has a purpose to inform and raise public awareness of the architecture, heritage, and landscapes of the territory labeled Pays d’art et d’histoire de Saint-Omer.
From the ancient remains to 21st-century architecture, the Centre d’interprétation de l’architecture et du patrimoine offers visitors essential tools to interpret the recognized monuments and landscapes, inviting them to explore the Pays d’art et d’histoire de Saint-Omer.
La Maison de l’Archéologie, a gateway to discover audomarois heritage
A visit to the Maison de l’Archéologie can be complemented by a walk around the site of the former cathedral of Thérouanne. It can be followed by a trip to the town centre to admire the Church of Saint Martin, which houses stained glass windows depicting the coats of arms of the bishops of the medieval city. A watermill and its wheat store, evidence of the expertise of 19th-century millers, are also on display.
Further west, the hamlet of Nielles has preserved all its charm and authenticity, with its traditional farmhouses, castle mound and chapel. The latter is a rare building that escaped destruction during the siege of 1553 led by Charles V’s troops.
Thérouanne, a historic stop on the Via Francigena
As attested by the travel diary of Sigeric of Canterbury (c. 989), in the Middle Ages, many pilgrims travelling along the Via Francigena to visit the tomb of Saint Peter in Rome would stop at Thérouanne, a staging post on their journey, to admire its cathedral and pray before the relics of Saint Maximus.
Today, the Via Francigena is still a pilgrimage route to Rome, but it has also become a network of hiking trails crossing southern England, France, Switzerland and Italy, with Thérouanne remaining one of its stopping points.
The Maison de l’Archéologie houses several artefacts in its collections that bear witness to the passage of medieval pilgrims on the Via Francigena through Thérouanne. It also holds an (unofficial) stamp that contemporary hikers and pilgrims can request to complete their credentials.
