Interpretation Centre of Architecture and Heritage
The Maison du Patrimoine understanding, activating, and transmitting historical resources to envision the cities and villages of tomorrow
The Maison du Patrimoine offers visitors the opportunity to discover the mosaic of architecture and landscapes that make up the Pays d’art et d’histoire de Saint-Omer (Land of Art and History of Saint-Omer) area. It is located in the heart of the historic centre of the town of Saint-Omer, within the cathedral grounds.
Discover the inclusive, immersive, and lively world of the Maison du Patrimoine.
Discover the temporary exhibition on display at the Maison du Patrimoine.
Agenda
Find the cultural offerings of the Maison du Patrimoine in the Agenda: walking tours, bike rides, family workshops… the program is updated throughout the year!
Practical Info
The Maison du Patrimoine welcomes you throughout the year.
Price : free
Hours :
- During peak season* :
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday : 10h to 12h and 14h to 17h
Saturday and Sunday : 14h to 17h
* From spring break to All Saints’ Day (B Zone)
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The rest of the year :Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday : 14h to 17h
- Parking :
The cathedral car park, with 220 spaces, is located below the Maison du patrimoine
- By bus :
Cathedral car park stop
Place Pain Levé stop (recommended for people with reduced mobility and pushchairs)
- By bike :
Bicycle stand brackets available at the Cathedral
- Accessible to persons with reduced mobility and pushchairs
maison du patrimoine
Learn more about the Maison du Patrimoine
Nestled in an ancient canon house transformed into a hotel in the 19th century, the Maison du Patrimoine offers visitors 3 permanent levels to explore the rich architecture, heritage, and landscape of the territory labeled Pays d’art et d’histoire de Saint-Omer (Land of Art and History of Saint-Omer).
To enhance your discovery, our guides offer guided tours, also available in English and Dutch upon request. Whether visiting alone, with family, or in a group, the Maison du Patrimoine welcomes you and supports you for a rewarding experience. To learn about visiting arrangements, please contact us.
The Maison de l’Archéologie de Thérouanne (House of Archeology of Thérouanne)
Your discovery continues. Visit the Maison de l’Archéologie in Thérouanne to relive the history of the Morinie and of the lost city of Thérouanne.
Le Pays d’art et d’histoire de Saint-Omer (The Land of Art and History of Saint-Omer)
The national label « Ville et Pays d’art et d’histoire » (City and Land of Art and History)
The national label Ville et Pays d’art et d’histoire (City and Land of Art and History) recognizes territories that, aware of the challenges of embracing their heritage, built and landscaped by residents, engage in an active approach to the knowledge, conservation, and development of architectural quality and the living environment.
This label was attributed to 32 municipalities of the Communauté d’agglomération du Pays de Saint-Omer (CAPSO, Community of the Agglomeration of the Land of Saint-Omer), which together form the territory designated as the Pays d’art et d’histoire de Saint-Omer. This recognition led to the signing of a 10-year agreement between the Agglomeration and the Ministry of Culture, comprising many objectives, including the creation of the Center of Interpretation of Architecture and Heritage.
The Center of Interpretation of Architecture and Heritageis managed by l’Agence d’urbanisme, de développement et du patrimoine du Pays de Saint-Omer (The Agency of Urbanism, Development, and Heritage of the Land of Saint-Omer), to which CAPSO entrusted the management of the label Pays d’art et d’histoire, awarded by the Ministry of Culture in 2014.
The Center of Interpretation of Architecture and Heritage
The Maison du Patrimoine is, along with the Maison de l’Archéologie in Thérouanne, one of two sites belonging to the Center of Interpretation of Architecture and Heritage. It is a local cultural organisation that informs and educates the public about the architectural, heritage and landscape treasures of the Saint-Omer region, which has been awarded the Pays d’art et d’histoire label. From ancient remains to 21st-century architecture, the interpretation centre provides visitors with the tools they need to understand the monuments and landscapes around them and inspires them to explore further.
The Maison du Patrimoine, a starting point for exploring the historic heart of Saint-Omer
The visit to the Maison du Patrimoine can be complemented by visits to other places of interest. In addition to Notre-Dame Cathedral, located across from the interpretation centre, visitors can also explore the three historic places in Saint-Omer (Places Foch, Pierre Bonhomme and Victor Hugo), as well as the town’s public garden, whose French-style flowerbeds stretch out at the foot of the old ramparts, which were dismantled in 1892-1893. Other treasures can also be explored, such as the ruins of Saint-Bertin Abbey, founded in the 7th century by Saint Omer and his companions, and the train station, a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture whose construction was supported by Alexandre Ribot, deputy for Pas-de-Calais.
