The museum is built on stilts to prevent direct contact with the sensitive archaeological strata beneath.
The building's design by Jean Nouvel is intended to mimic the volume of the original Roman villa's roof.
A rare, remarkably preserved 1st-century Roman wall mural is housed within the collection.
The site sits within the Parc de Vésone, which also contains the remains of a 2nd-century Roman temple, the Tour de Vésone.
The floor level of the museum walkways corresponds to the height of the original Roman street level.
The museum holds an extensive collection of votive offerings recovered from local excavations.
The city of Périgueux was historically known as Vesunna, from which the museum takes its name.
VESUNNA is a Gallo-Roman museum built directly over the excavated remains of a 1st-century Roman domus known as the Domus of Vesunne. Designed by architect Jean Nouvel, the building utilizes large glass walls to protect the archaeological site while allowing visitors to view the ruins from elevated walkways. The museum showcases artifacts found in Périgueux, formerly the Roman city of Vesunna, including mosaics, frescoes, and everyday objects. The site spans a significant portion of the original Roman town, which was once the capital of the Petrocorii tribe. Archaeological excavations reveal the layout of a grand villa with thermal baths and courtyard gardens. Displays provide insights into the domestic life, burial practices, and urban development of the Gallo-Roman period. The museum integrates the historic Tour de Vésone, the remains of an ancient temple, within its park surroundings. It serves as both an archaeological site and a research facility dedicated to the region's Roman history.
The wide-angle view from the elevated internal glass walkway looking down at the Roman villa layout.
Use the elevated walkways to photograph the entire floor plan of the Roman villa from above.
Check the schedule for temporary exhibition updates before visiting, as they change the context of the permanent collection.
Take time to explore the exterior park grounds to see the freestanding Tour de Vésone monument.
Do not overlook the surrounding park, as the outdoor ruins provide vital context for the indoor exhibits.
Closed on Mondays throughout the year.
No photography with flash is permitted inside to protect ancient pigments on frescoes.
