The Sainte-Marie Cathedral, a state-owned building, is managed by the Midi-Pyrénées regional cultural affairs directorate. The restoration and enhancement of the cathedral complex and the treasury are a priority for the Ministry of Culture and Communication.
Restoration of the cathedral domain of Auch
During the reflection on the restoration of the cathedral, the old building of the canons (or Canon) and from the lower rooms of the tower of Armagnac, it was decided to transfer the treasure, installed since 1980 in a chapel of the cathedral, in a part of the Canon, to allow its redevelopment and its opening to the public.
The State (Drac Midi-Pyrénées), the contracting authority, has taken over all the restoration work of the buildings that now offer a suitable and secure setting for these collections. The total cost of the operation is €1.9 million (one third of which is devoted to the restoration of works, museography and multimedia).
The new treasure
Today, more than 200 restored objects (paintings, textiles, reliquaries, goldsmiths) are presented on nearly 300 m2.
Made up of state-owned collections and enriched with valuable works donated by the bishopric or by the communes of Gers – especially for reasons of security, conservation or public presentation – this treasure tells the story of the cathedral. The works of art and the objects that compose it, intended for the exercise or the ornament of the cult, have for the most part the particularity to remain assigned to it.
The visit for all audiences
This new place responds to the State’s desire to offer reception and visiting conditions adapted to all audiences through a modern museum and multimedia devices (interactive terminals, tablets, videos on restorations).
The partnership with the agglomeration community of Grand Auch, including its tourist office and its service Ville et Pays d'art et d'histoire, allows the public to visit the treasure continuously, from 1 June to 30 September. Outside this period, the treasure is open to groups upon reservation.
The Cathedral Treasure of Auch is now a new heritage site in the historic heart of the city. Interpretation centre" of the cathedral and permanent exhibition place, it improves the discovery route of the old center of Auch, from the cathedral to the Jacobins museum.