Musée Barrois
Housed in the 16th-century wing of the Palais des Ducs de Bar, the Musée Barrois is criminally undervisited for a collection that includes Ligier Richier sculptures, Gallo-Roman artefacts, medieval armour and a fine-arts gallery spanning the 17th to 20th centuries. Entry is just a few euros and you will likely have entire rooms to yourself.
Highlights of the collection
The ground floor Gallo-Roman section displays finds from the oppidum of Nasium (near Naix-aux-Forges), including bronze figurines, glassware and a striking marble portrait head that would not look out of place in a major national museum. The medieval rooms above hold carved capitals, reliquaries and a rare 13th-century wooden Pietà.
The star of the fine-arts floor is a group of original works by Ligier Richier, the Lorraine sculptor who created the transi in Saint-Étienne. Seeing his smaller devotional pieces here gives essential context for appreciating the full range of his genius beyond the famous cadaver tomb.
The building itself is worth the visit
The museum occupies the Renaissance east wing of the Palais des Ducs, and the architectural details — coffered ceilings, carved fireplaces, stone staircases — are as interesting as many of the exhibits. Ask at the desk for the English-language room guide, which is free and well written.
The courtyard outside the museum is planted with lime trees and opens onto a quiet square that sees almost no through traffic, making it a peaceful spot for a post-visit coffee from a nearby café.
Musée Barrois on video
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