Treasures from Kings of France

A Speaker and an ArkeoTopia ambassador putting into perspective an archaeology exhibition:

Frances’ Kings treasures
Discovery of the Medals Cabinet

Check the upcoming events
in the section “Agenda” or order a trip

The visit in 30 seconds

Discover the Department of Coins, Medals and Antiques (ex Medals Cabinet) of the French National Library (BNF) through a time journey where you will learn about History, Numismatic and Researchers’ life.

The museum of medals and antiques cabinet of the BNF is the oldest museum of France. The Royal Cabinet was first opened in the 18th century and was part of the Royal Library. Its aim was to give the public and scientific audience of the time an access to the incredible collection of antique, precious and rare objects from royal treasures acquired since the Middle Age by the French sovereigns.

This rich and heterogeneous collection has since centuries been enriched by donations from collectors as well as archaeology and numismatic pioneers such as Count of Caylus, J.Pellerin or the Duke of Luynes. Unexpectedly, the French Revolution was a godsend for the Medals Cabinet. The nationalization of clergy property had the effect of bringing to the catalog’s collection fine and exceptional pieces of art from the Saint-Chapel, Saint-Denis or Notre-Dame. Some pieces found their origin in the Crusade’s treasure.

Today very few people know about the Medals Cabinet as the communication remains scarce. The mission of ArkéoTopia is to bring or bring back attention to the amazing pieces of this museum where each window displays new treasures. Here is the place where the word "treasure" has its full meaning.

For which audience?

Intended for an adult audience, the content of this guided tour can be adapted for teaching purposes for primary school students (4th to 5th Grade), middle-grade students and high-school students as well as groups of young people with a leisure centers.

Organization

Visit duration is 2 hours 30 minutes on weekdays or weekends from 1pm to 4:45pm.
ArkaeOdysseys are an interactive visits animated by ArkeoTopia in order to ensure the exchange with the public.
No special clothing is required.

Booking conditions

If you are interested in this visit and your group is a minimum of 17 people, order this ArkaeOdyssey.
Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

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Preparing your visit

If you want to discover more about your ArkaeOdyssey, click on the link below:

• A picture presentation of the BNF Department of Coins, Medals and Antiques to prepare your visit
• Go to the english Wikipedia entry Cabinet des Médailles

Access the other ArkaeOdysseys to see other subjects and do not hesitate to write to us via our form.
ArkeoTopia, an alternative approach to archaeology® aim is to give another perspective to archaeology today non-in order to better help existing bodies prepare that of tomorrow. To know more about the association, watch our institutional video and our actions.