Archery and Valois Museum, a must-see in Crépy-en-Valois
The Archery and Valois Museum, located in Crépy-en-Valois in the Oise department, is a unique cultural gem dedicated to the history of archery and the religious art of the Valois region. Opened in 1949, it houses collections labeled "Musée de France," including the largest public collection in Europe devoted to archery, in a building protected as a Historic Monument.
A place steeped in history and a unique collection in France
The Archery and Valois Museum, housed in the former castle, has held the largest public collection in Europe dedicated to archery since 1949. It presents archery in all its diversity, from its rich history to the many uses of the bow around the world.
A variety of bows are on display, from the simple wooden bows of the prehistoric era to the sophisticated compound bows of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. These pieces, along with arrows, armor, and shooting equipment, illustrate the evolution of archery techniques and highlight the importance of this art in many civilizations.
A significant section of the museum is dedicated to armor and costumes, highlighting the crucial role of archers in historical conflicts. The armor on display demonstrates the ingenuity of the artisans of the time in protecting archers while allowing them to maintain a high degree of mobility.
The museum also houses sacred art that bears witness to the history of the Valois region, notably through a collection of sculptures deposited by the local municipalities and dating from the late 13th century.e century to the 20th centurye century.
Temporary exhibitions
The museum regularly organizes temporary exhibitions that explore specific themes related to archery or the heritage of Valois.
Activities and workshops for the whole family 1 hour from Paris
In addition to its permanent collections and temporary exhibitions, the Archery and Valois Museum offers a variety of educational activities and workshops, ranging from archery demonstrations to bow and arrow making workshops. Guided tours allow visitors to discover the region's history and archery customs.
How to get there ?
Guided tour of the museum
Explore the history of the Château des Seigneurs de Crépy with a passionate guide, discovering unique collections, such as the archery collection, tracing the evolution of archery through the centuries and cultures. Then, admire a beautiful collection of religious sculptures from the Valois period.
Do not hesitate to contact the Tourist Office.
