MAHB, spread over two floors in a former episcopal palace, is divided into 14 chronological sections that focus on the history of artistic creation in the area, from prehistoric times to the present-day. You’ll see paintings, prints, and locally produced porcelain and lace. The building itself is an attraction, and the exhibits are thoughtfully presented within the Gothic chapel, private apartments, former courtroom, and contemporary additions to the palace.
Many people come to the town to see the famous Bayeux Tapestry or to visit the nearby beaches associated with the World War II Normandy landings. MAHB is a great add-on for travelers staying in Bayeux and is usually visited independently.
There’s an entry fee to the museum, but admission is free for kids under age 10.
If you’re planning to visit multiple attractions in Bayeux, consider purchasing a Museum Pass that includes access to MAHB, the Bayeux Tapestry Museum, and the Battle of Normandy Museum.
The museum is accessible for stroller and wheelchair users.
The museum is located in a palace near Bayeux Cathedral in the historic center of town. Bayeux railway station is about 10–15 minutes’ walk from the museum. If you are driving, park in the lots near the museum. The town of Bayeux itself is 164 miles (264 kilometers) northwest of Paris and 97 miles (156 kilometers) west of Rouen.
The museum is open seven days a week between February 1 and December 31. It closes for Christmas on the afternoon of December 24 and on December 25 and remains closed throughout January. It’s typically open from mid-morning until early evening, with an extended lunch break, and increased hours in the summer. Last admission is 45 minutes before closing, but more time is recommended.
If you enjoy the MAHB, you won’t want to miss the Bayeux Tapestry, the city’s original claim to fame. The 230-foot (70-meter) tapestry, listed as a UNESCO Memory of the World, depicts the Norman conquest of England in 1066. It’s a remarkable work of textile storytelling, and even if you have no knowledge of this period of history, you can get follow along through the detailed stitching—and the interpretive information also helps.