Our take
The only French museum entirely devoted to the art of the Visitation convents. Paintings, goldsmiths' work and embroideries brought back from convents all over France, a contemplative atmosphere.
More than 1,200 pieces of art from the Visitation convents on display in Moulins, from holdings of nearly 19,000 objects: the only collection of its kind in France.
Museum of religious art on place de l'Ancien Palais, right in the centre of Moulins (Allier), in a 15th-century town house. Collections of religious art from the 17th to the 19th century: paintings, sculptures, goldsmiths' work, embroideries, objects of worship from the Visitation convents of France. You will find more than 1,200 pieces on display, from total holdings of nearly 19,000 objects: one of the most important collections of convent art in France. Full price €12, reduced rate €8 for ages 15-25, free for under-15s. Open all year Monday to Saturday, closed on Sunday.
Why we love it
- More than 1,200 pieces of convent art on display, from holdings of nearly 19,000 objects
- Goldsmiths' work and embroideries from the Visitation convents
- A contemplative atmosphere, far from the crowds
Top tip
Combine it with the Centre national du Costume de Scène (5 minutes away) and Moulins cathedral. Allow 1 hour to 1 hour 30 for the visit.
Before you go
- On a weekday, late in the morning: you have the museum almost to yourself.
- Closed on Sunday
- The ticket also gives access to the temporary exhibitions
Practical info
- Address
- 4 Pl. de l'Ancien Palais, 03000 Moulins, France
03000 Moulins - Monday10h–12h, 14h–18h
- Tuesday10h–12h, 14h–18h
- Wednesday10h–12h, 14h–18h
- Thursday10h–12h, 14h–18h
- Friday10h–12h, 14h–18h
- Saturday10h–12h, 14h–18h
- TodayClosed
Opening hours
What visitors say
Google rating
Average of 61 reviews on Google Maps.
Community rating
No reader reviews yet: yours gets things started.
It's for you if
- You like sacred art, goldsmiths' work and antique embroideries
- You're after a contemplative visit, far from the bustle
- You're doing Moulins' museums back to back: the CNCS is 5 minutes away
Give it a miss if
- You're visiting on a Sunday: that's the day it's closed
- You're coming with children who want something spectacular
Your logbook
Around Musée de la Visitation
7 spots in and around Moulins, enough to build your day.
Where to eat close by
€€Le Bistrot de Guillaume
4.8Moulins · a 5-minute walk away
€€La Petite Auberge
4.6Moulins · a 5-minute walk away
Divers Gens
4.8Moulins · a 5-minute walk away
A place to see, a night to spend?
Hotels, gîtes and B&Bs within 20 km of Moulins. Availability and online booking.
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