After having read about this museum, we decided it definitely had to be on our list of places to visit. Originally built in 1334 as a townhouse for the abbots of Cluny (over the remnants of a first century Gallo-Roman bath), it was converted into a museum in 1843. Mary Tudor, Queen of France, lived here for awhile in 1515. It is now known as the National Museum of the Medieval Age and Thermal Baths. One of its most celebrated collections are the five "Lady and the Unicorn" tapestries. But, for us, the most impressive part of the museum are what remains of the old Roman Thermal Baths. Estimated to be only one-third of the original complex, these ruins are huge! We can only imagine what it looked like in its heyday. Documents indicate that the baths extended for blocks over towards Notre Dame Cathedral ( and make up part of the archeological crypts below the cathedral). The nearly 45 foot tall vaulted "frigidarium" (cold room) is exceptionally well preserved. This place was amazing! We really enjoyed this visit.
The approach to the Cluny museum provides just a hint of what will be found inside. This is a beautiful structure.
Part of the inner courtyard showing the tower.
The rest of the inner courtyard.
Like many of the grand houses and palaces of the medieval period, this had its own well.
Etched on the wall of the tower was this sundial.
During excavations under Notre Dame Cathedral in 1977, this statue of Appollo (circa 1260) was discovered, in near perfect condition.
Altarpiece from the Abbey of Saint-Denis, dated between 1250 and 1260.
The "frigidarium" (cold room) , with its 45 foot tall vaulted ceilings is one of the best preserved parts of the thermal baths.
One of the most celebrated collections in the museum are the five "Lady and the Unicorn" tapestries dedicated to the senses. This one depicts "sight".
This tapestry is dedicated to "sound".
Tapestries during medieval times, served a dual purpose; hung on the walls, they help to keep heat in the rooms of the cold houses or palaces; they also were decorated to tell a story. This tapestry is dedicated to "All My Desires".
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