Musee de la Romanite (Museum of Roman Civilization), Nimes (must see)

The Museum of Roman Civilization is one of the most important museums in Nîmes and a key place to understand the city’s Roman past. Opened in 2018, the museum stands directly opposite the Arènes de Nîmes, creating a striking contrast between the ancient amphitheatre and the museum’s modern architecture. Designed by the French-Brazilian architect Elizabeth de Portzamparc, the building features a distinctive glass façade made of thousands of panels arranged to resemble the flowing folds of a Roman toga.

As you approach the museum, notice how the glass exterior seems to ripple across the surface of the building. This design was intended to echo the draped fabric of Roman clothing while allowing natural light to enter the galleries inside. The museum was built to display archaeological discoveries from Nîmes and the surrounding region, which was once an important Roman colony known as Nemausus.

Step inside and you will find galleries displaying more than 5,000 artifacts that illustrate different phases of the region’s history. The exhibitions are organized into sections dedicated to specific historical periods, beginning with pre-Roman settlements, continuing through the Roman era, and ending with the late antique and early medieval periods. Among the most impressive objects are detailed Roman mosaics, statues, coins, jewelry, pottery, and everyday household items. Interactive screens, multimedia displays, and reconstructed scenes help explain how these objects were used and how life developed in Nîmes during each era.

Continue toward the upper levels and you will eventually reach the rooftop terrace, where you can look directly across at the Arena of Nîmes and see the amphitheatre from a unique perspective. Behind the museum, an archaeological garden preserves remains of ancient structures discovered during excavations, including sections of a Roman defensive wall. Together, the museum’s architecture, artifacts, and outdoor spaces provide a clear introduction to the long Roman history that continues to shape the city of Nîmes today.