Espace d'interprétation du théâtre gallo-romain des Bouchauds

★★★★★ 4.4/5 (4,112 reviews) Very Good

About This Museum

It’s a rare thing to stand in a modern building and hear the ghost of an audience from two thousand years ago, but that’s the peculiar magic of this place. The Espace d'interprétation doesn't just tell you about the ancient theatre nearby; it makes you feel its presence. Tucked away in the rural landscape of Saint-Cybardeaux, the museum serves as a quiet, thoughtful portal to the Gallo-Roman world. Its displays connect artifacts directly to the grand stone theatre just a short walk away, grounding history firmly in its original soil.

Collection Highlights

Look for the delicate fragments of theatrical masks, which hint at comedies and tragedies performed long ago. A detailed model reconstructs the theatre in its heyday, showing its impressive capacity for thousands of spectators. Simple yet poignant everyday objects, like pottery and coins left behind by the audience, are perhaps the most telling finds.

Visitor Information

The real prize is stepping outside to explore the actual archaeological site itself—the sprawling theatre ruins are nestled in the woods, so wear comfortable shoes. It's a wonderfully un-crowded spot, perfect for a contemplative afternoon.

Architecture & Building

Housed in a converted farmhouse, or 'ferme,' the architecture is humble and regional, with stone walls and a rustic feel that grounds the museum in its surroundings rather than competing with the ancient monument it interprets.

Contact & Location

Address: 16170, Rouillac, Cognac, Charente, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France métropolitaine, France

Phone: +33 5 45 65 26 19

Website: Visit Website