The Avranches scriptorial: Museum of the manuscripts of Mt St Michel

The Avranches scriptorial welcomes you

The Scriptorial is a multimedia museum dedicated to the manuscripts of Mont Saint Michel and the monks copyists. You will be able to discover in images and videos the work that will make parchment or paper, a true work of art illuminated with homemade colors. The monks copyists of the abbey of Mont Saint Michel copied hundreds books, now incunabula, to disseminate written knowledge during the Middle Ages.

Historical, 3D reproduction of the treasure of St Gervais church, astrolabe but also the mysterious disappearance of the forest of Scissy: You will enter the heart of the middle ages and will be able to discover the detailed digital copies of the manuscripts of the Mont Saint Michel. The Scriptorial is an exciting visit for both children and adults. Everyone will be able to think about it and to understand the life of the monks who made the reputation of the scriptorium of the abbey until the printing press. Illuminated manuscripts will let you discover bright colors and
representations of the world at that time.

You will see the art of binding and illumination but also the manufacture of colors and scrolls. You will be able also admire the incunabula presented in a special room, the treasure room, to ensure the conservation in Ideal conditions of luminosity and temperature, of these works old of 10 centuries.

For children, a mini-guide is given at the entrance to boost their visit by doing a real research at
from exhibitions or multimedia terminals along the route that will lead them to understand the times
middle-aged using the latest digital technologies.

At the end of the visit, everyone is invited to take the pen and try the calligraphy freely.

The Scriptorial is partially implanted in the walls of the castle of Avranches and you can continue your visit in discovering the ramparts of the castle with a beautiful view of Avranches. If you have some time, you can continue your visit by discovering the garden of Avranches plants.

With 2 exhibition levels and 10 permanent exhibition rooms and a projection room, the Avranches Scriptorial offers also 230 meters museum exhibition.

Photo credits: Avranches scriptorial and scriptorial presentation brochure