When people think of northern France, Paris often steals the spotlight, but Amiens — with its Gothic cathedral, floating gardens, and rich cultural history — quietly guards treasures that can take your breath away. I can say this: the museums of Amiens deserve your time, your curiosity, and your heart.
During my most recent visit, I spent days wandering through Amiens’ museums, from fine art collections to local history exhibits, and what I found wasn’t just dusty artifacts behind glass. I found stories. Stories of resilience, creativity, war, peace, beauty, and humanity. And in many ways, I found myself reflected in those stories.
I’ll walk you through four must-visit museums in Amiens that completely stole my attention. For each one, I’ll share the works I personally loved most, the ones I recommend every traveler should see, and my honest thoughts about the services, ticketing, and experience. By the end, I hope you’ll be as excited about Amiens’ cultural scene as I was — maybe even planning your own museum-hopping adventure.
Musée de Picardie
If Amiens has a crown jewel, this is it. The Musée de Picardie, often referred to as the “little Louvre,” was my first stop, and it set the bar sky-high. Housed in a 19th-century Second Empire palace on Rue de la République, the building itself feels like a museum piece — with its ornate façade and sweeping staircase. It reopened in 2020 after an extensive renovation, so everything feels fresh, modernized, yet still regal.
My Favorite Works
- “La Chasse de Méléagre” by François-Joseph Heim – This massive painting depicting the hunt of the Calydonian boar took my breath away. The dynamic poses, the sheer energy — it felt like I was watching a movie unfold on canvas.
- Egyptian Sarcophagus of Horus – As a longtime lover of ancient history, standing before this sarcophagus was surreal. The detail of the hieroglyphs, the sense of time collapsing — I almost expected the mummy to stir.
- Bust of Jules Verne – Verne lived in Amiens, and seeing his likeness here gave me goosebumps. I’ve been a fan since childhood, and it felt like paying respects to an old friend.
Recommended Works to See - “La Prière” by Jules Breton – This quiet, moving painting of a peasant girl at prayer captures the dignity of rural life. Simple, yet profound.
- Roman Mosaics from Durocortorum (Reims) – The detail in these ancient mosaics is jaw-dropping. Standing over them, I imagined Roman feet walking the same patterns.
- “Portrait of a Woman” by Corot – If you love portraits that almost seem alive, don’t miss this.
Practical Information
• Location: 48 Rue de la République, 80000 Amiens
• Getting There: From Gare d’Amiens (the main train station), it’s about a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute taxi ride. I chose to walk, and it was a pleasant stroll through Amiens’ charming streets.
• Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Closed Mondays.
• Tickets: €7 general admission, €4 reduced. Free for under-26 EU residents. I booked through their official website, and it was smooth.
• Services: Friendly staff, a well-stocked gift shop, and clean restrooms. There’s also a small café nearby.
• Pros: Stunning building, diverse collection (ancient to modern), easy to navigate.
• Cons: Some descriptions are only in French, so download a translation app if needed.
My Impression
Walking through the Musée de Picardie felt like opening a time capsule that spanned centuries. I stayed almost four hours, and honestly, I could have lingered longer. If you only have time for one museum in Amiens, make it this one.
Maison de Jules Verne
As a travel writer, I owe much to Jules Verne — the man who made me dream of distant worlds before I ever boarded my first plane. Visiting his actual home in Amiens was like stepping inside his imagination. The Maison de Jules Verne, on Rue Charles Dubois, is where Verne lived from 1882 to 1900, and it’s been preserved with extraordinary care.
My Favorite Works
- Verne’s Writing Room – With his desk, globes, and original manuscripts, I felt chills. I imagined him scratching out “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” late at night.
- The Tower Room – This octagonal space was magical. With its panoramic views of Amiens, it’s no wonder Verne found inspiration here.
- Personal Artifacts – From his top hats to his letters, these intimate details made Verne feel like a real person, not just a legendary author.
Recommended Works to See - Original Editions of “Voyages Extraordinaires” – Holding these old books behind glass felt like peering into the birth of science fiction.
- The Globe Room – With maps and models, it’s a visual feast for geography and exploration lovers.
- Theatrical Posters – Verne’s works inspired plays and shows, and these posters showcase his cultural impact.
Practical Information
• Location: 2 Rue Charles Dubois, 80000 Amiens
• Getting There: A 10-minute walk from the Cathedral of Amiens. I used Google Maps, and it was straightforward.
• Hours: Open daily except Tuesday, 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
• Tickets: €7 adults, €4 children. Family packages available. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online through the Amiens Métropole website.
• Services: Guided tours are available, though only some are in English. The staff were incredibly passionate and helpful.
• Pros: Immersive, intimate, and inspiring.
• Cons: Smaller than other museums, so expect a shorter visit (about 1.5–2 hours).
My Impression
This wasn’t just a museum visit — it was a pilgrimage. I left with my imagination reignited, almost itching to write. If you’ve ever read Verne, you’ll walk out with stars in your eyes.
Musée de l’Hôtel de Berny
This museum is a hidden gem. The Musée de l’Hôtel de Berny, set in an elegant 17th-century mansion near the cathedral, offers a glimpse into Amiens’ aristocratic past. Think antique furniture, paintings, and decorative arts — it feels like walking through the home of a wealthy family frozen in time.
My Favorite Works
- Empire-Style Furniture – The craftsmanship left me speechless. Each piece felt like it belonged in a palace.
- Porcelain Collection – I never thought I’d be fascinated by porcelain, but the delicate patterns and history drew me in.
- Historic Portraits – I loved standing in front of portraits of Amiens’ past notables, imagining their lives.
Recommended Works to See - Louis XV Tapestries – Intricate, colorful, and surprisingly well-preserved.
- Religious Artifacts – Tied closely to the cathedral’s history, they highlight Amiens’ deep spiritual roots.
- Berny Family Memorabilia – This personal touch makes the museum unique.
Practical Information
• Location: 36 Rue Victor Hugo, Amiens
• Getting There: It’s just steps from Amiens Cathedral — perfect to combine with a cathedral visit.
• Hours: Open Wednesday–Sunday, 2 p.m.–6 p.m.
• Tickets: €6 adults, €3 reduced. Free for students under 26. Tickets available at the entrance.
• Services: Quieter than other museums, so staff may feel less present, but that also means fewer crowds.
• Pros: Beautiful building, intimate atmosphere, diverse collection.
• Cons: Limited opening hours. Some rooms felt dimly lit.
My Impression
Walking through Hôtel de Berny felt like discovering a secret. Unlike the grandeur of the Musée de Picardie, this museum whispered stories rather than shouted them. I loved the intimacy.
Musée de la Somme 1916
Finally, for those interested in war history, the Musée de la Somme 1916 in Albert (a short train ride from Amiens) is an absolute must. Located in underground tunnels originally built as air-raid shelters, the museum brings World War I to life in a raw, visceral way.
My Favorite Works
- Soldiers’ Personal Belongings – Helmets, letters, and pipes made me tear up. They were reminders of the humans behind the history.
- Underground Tunnels – Walking these dark passages gave me chills. It felt like stepping back to 1916.
- Weapons and Uniforms – Not just displays, but haunting reminders of the war’s scale.
Recommended Works to See - Battlefield Maps – Essential for understanding the geography and scope of the Somme.
- Multimedia Presentations – These short films add depth and emotion to the exhibits.
- Local History Panels – They connect the global conflict to Amiens’ own wartime experience.
Practical Information
• Location: Rue Anicet Godin, Albert (about 30 km from Amiens)
• Getting There: I took a TER regional train from Amiens to Albert (about 25 minutes) and then walked 10 minutes to the museum. Easy and scenic.
• Hours: Open daily, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. in summer, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. in winter.
• Tickets: €6 adults, €3 children.
• Services: Audio guides available in English. Staff are knowledgeable and welcoming.
• Pros: Powerful, immersive, and educational.
• Cons: Emotional — not for everyone, especially young children.
My Impression
This museum humbled me. It wasn’t glamorous or glossy, but it was unforgettable. Walking out into the daylight afterward, I felt deep gratitude for peace.
Why Amiens’ Museums Deserve Your Time
After days of museum hopping, my feet ached, but my spirit soared. Each museum in Amiens offered something different — grandeur at the Musée de Picardie, inspiration at the Maison de Jules Verne, intimacy at Hôtel de Berny, and raw history at Musée de la Somme 1916.
The services were affordable (most tickets between €6–€7), the locations walkable or accessible by short train rides, and the experiences — priceless. I loved that Amiens hasn’t been overrun by tourism the way Paris has. The museums felt more personal, less crowded, more authentic.
If you’re planning a trip:
• Book tickets online when possible for convenience.
• Check opening hours carefully (many museums close on Mondays or Tuesdays).
• Use Amiens as a base for day trips to Albert and the Somme.
• Don’t rush. Give yourself time to soak in the atmosphere.
For me, Amiens’ museums weren’t just stops on an itinerary. They were windows into different worlds, each teaching me something new about humanity — and about myself.
And isn’t that why we travel?
