Musée Saint-Raymond (Saint-Raymond Museum), Toulouse

The Saint-Raymond Museum in Toulouse is a remarkable archaeological museum that offers a deep dive into the protohistoric to early medieval periods, with a particular focus on the Celtic, Roman, and early Christian eras. Opened in 1892, the museum is housed in the historic Saint-Raymond University College, dating back to the sixteenth century, which itself sits adjacent to the Basilica of Saint-Sernin.

This location has a diverse history. Originally a Christian burial ground in the 4th century, it later became a hospital for the poor and pilgrims in the 11th century. Throughout the centuries, it served as a prison, student residence, and barracks, before becoming a presbytery for a nearby basilica. The current building, reconstructed in 1523, underwent significant renovations in the 19th century. Notable figures like Alexandre Du Mège, Prosper Mérimée, and Eugène Viollet-le-Duc contributed to its preservation and modifications, including adding a neo-gothic house and a garden in the old courtyard.

The museum's collections originated from the combined assets of the Academy of Sciences, inscriptions et belles-lettres de Toulouse, and the Royal Academy of Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture. These were seized during the French Revolution and later enriched by significant finds such as the sculptures from the Roman villa of Chiragan. Today, the museum exhibits these alongside other fascinating artifacts in spaces like the Gallery of the Emperors and the Gallery of La Venus, providing a profound insight into the region's ancient past.

Visitors to the museum can explore two main floors where they are greeted by engaging displays and historical narratives. The second floor focuses on the regional history of the Gauls, Romans, and Visigoths periods through artifacts and models, while the first floor features a more intimate encounter with ancient Roman emperors and mythological sculptures, including the Labors of Hercules.