Musée Rolin, Autun 
Roman mosaic of the Greek philosopher Metrodorus (2nd-3rd cent.).
For views of many more artifacts, see our Musée Rolin Photo Gallery.
The Musée Rolin's star attraction: Temptation of Eve by Gislebertus.
Mary of Bethany, from the Lazarus tomb sculpture group.
The beautiful Virgin of Autun.
Gallo-Roman gods and goddesses.
The Last Supper.
The Musée Rolin in Autun displays a fascinating variety of religious artifacts from ancient Roman times to the Renaissance. Conveniently located next to Autun Cathedral, it is housed in an elegant Renaissance hotel built by Nicholas Rolin, chancellor of Philippe le Bon.
What to See
Among the many Gallo-Roman artifacts in the Musée Rolin are exquisitely preserved mosaics and mosaic fragments, numerous tombstones with portraits of the deceased, votive figurines of gods and goddesses, and even some of the molds used to make the figurines.
Representing the Early Christian era is a large sarcophagus carved with Christian symbols, a mold used to make glass chalices, some marble slabs with inscriptions, an ampoule featuring St. Menas, and other small artworks.
The highlight for many visitors is the Romanesque section, featuring many sculptures carved by Gislebertus for the cathedral. The star attraction is a carving from the north portal known as the Temptation of Eve. Carved by Gislebertus at the same time as his magnificent tympanum, it is a unique and sensuous depiction of Eve at the moment of her fall.
Also notable are surviving fragments from a sculpture group created for a tomb monument of Lazarus in the 1170s, including statues of Mary, Martha and St. Andrew. A wooden model provides a good idea of what the elaborate monument looked like when it stood in the choir of the cathedral, housing the relics of Lazarus.
Other rooms in the museum contain an extensive collection of sculptures, paintings and other artifacts from the Gothic and Renaissance periods. One of the major highlights is a beautiful polychrome sculpture of the Virgin of Autun.
Please see our Musée Rolin Photo Gallery for a virtual tour of many notable artifacts.
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | Musée Rolin |
| Location: | Autun, Burgundy, France |
| Category: | Museums |
| Faith: | Museum |
| Architecture: | Renaissance |
| Features: | Roman Mosaics; Romanesque Sculpture |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 46.9458° N, 4.29942° E (view on Google Maps) |
| Address: | 5 rue des Bancs, 71400 Autun, France |
| Phone: | 03 85 52 09 76 |
| Website: | www.musees-bourgogne.org |
| E-mail: | autun-museerolin@wanadoo.fr |
| Hours: | Apr-Sep: 9:30am-noon, 1:30-8pm; Oct-Mar: 10-noon, 2:30-5pm. Closed Tuesdays. |
| Cost: | €3.35 adult |
| Photography: | Permitted |
| Facilities: | Bookshop; toilets |
Travel Resources
- Autun Map - our detailed interactive map of Autun, plus hand-picked links to more
- Autun Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, then book at the guaranteed lowest rate
- Autun Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Autun tourism
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of Musée Rolin. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Autun Map.
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- Personal visit (June 4, 2008).
- Autun, Musée Rolin - Musées de Bourgogne
- The Rough Guide to France 9 (April 2005), 618.
Article last updated: 10/26/2009.
