Maison Carrée is a Roman temple in the centre of Nîmes, in southern France. It was built under Emperor Augustus and dedicated to his grandsons Gaius and Lucius Caesar. It is one of the best-preserved Roman temples in the world, with a row of Corinthian columns across its front. Walk around it to see the columns and the sides, then go inside for a short film on the city's history. Cafés line the square, and the Carré d'Art contemporary art museum stands opposite.
Built for Augustus's heirs
The temple was built under Emperor Augustus and dedicated to Gaius and Lucius Caesar, his grandsons and adopted heirs. Both died young, and the dedication honoured them as the princes of youth. The original inscription was removed in the Middle Ages, and a new one was set back in 1758.
The design drew on the temples of Apollo and Mars Ultor in Rome. The temple stood on the forum, the public centre of the city, and it sat on a raised podium that overlooked the square. Public announcements and ceremonies were made from that podium.
The name means square house, but the building is a rectangle. In the past, any four-cornered shape with right angles was called a carré, which explains the name.
From temple to museum
The building has been used for many purposes since antiquity. It has been a church, a stable, a consular house, a canons' house, a prefecture building and an archive store. It has been in use from about the 11th century onward, which is one reason it survived so well.
After the Revolution, the building became a public art gallery. It is now a museum, and its own history is part of the displays. Some sources say the temple later inspired buildings such as the Madeleine in Paris and the Virginia State Capitol.
Inside and outside
Inside, the rooms are small. Information boards explain the building, and a short film covers the history of Nîmes, from the Celtic settlement through the Roman period.
A restoration between 2006 and 2010 cleaned the dark facade, which had been marked by air pollution. The limestone now looks bright, and the columns and steps are easy to see from the square.
Across the square, the Carré d'Art was designed by Norman Foster and opened in 1993. Its glass walls reflect the temple, and the building houses a library, city archives and a contemporary art museum with free exhibitions. Many visitors pair the two buildings in one visit.
Preguntas frecuentes
Is there an entry fee?
Yes, the interior is ticketed. The outside can be seen from the square without a ticket. A combined ticket covers Maison Carrée, the Arènes de Nîmes and the Tour Magne, and it is sold by Culturespaces.
Should I book tickets in advance?
Advance tickets are recommended. Visitors who have pre-paid can skip the queue by finding staff with a barcode reader.
How long do you need?
Plan about 20 minutes to see the outside. The interior is small and includes a short film, so allow extra time if you go inside.
Is Maison Carrée wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The entrance and the parking area are both wheelchair accessible.
