Cathedral Treasury
Tucked within Saint-Étienne Cathedral, one of the tallest Gothic naves in France, the treasury gathers the sacred art the building has kept over the centuries. Goldwork, ivories, liturgical ornaments and relics tell the long religious story of Metz. A recommended stop to extend a cathedral visit with a more intimate look, up close to objects that accompanied a thousand years of devotion.
A treasury at the heart of the cathedral
As befits the tradition of great cathedrals, the treasury preserves the sacred objects and liturgical pieces tied to the life of the building. It is now housed in the high sacristy, reached during the visit. A witness to the city's history and religious life, it has survived the trials of time, plundering and war. What it shows is only part of what was once the cathedral's vast heritage.
Exceptional pieces
Among the highlights are ivory bishop's crosiers from the 12th and 13th centuries, goldwork spanning the 12th to the 19th century, and objects tied to the memory of the bishops of Metz, such as the ring of Saint Arnoul, a 7th-century bishop and ancestor of the Carolingians, or the cloak said to be Charlemagne's. Also on display is a famous polychrome wooden head with an articulated jaw, a relic of a former, now-lost cathedral organ.
A thousand years of Metz sacred art
The treasury sheds light on the early role Metz played in religious art: from Carolingian times, the city was a leading artistic centre. Several exceptional manuscripts from this heritage, such as the Drogo Sacramentary, are now kept in Paris; what remains on site nonetheless speaks of a rare inheritance. To walk these cases is to trace an almost unbroken thread of spiritual and artistic history.
Combine with the cathedral and crypt
The treasury is visited as an extension of Saint-Étienne Cathedral, famed for its vast stained glass, earning it the nickname 'the Good Lord's lantern'. Entry to the cathedral is free, while access to the treasury and crypt is charged. Taking both together makes sense: the light of the windows, then the hush of the rooms holding the precious objects, offer two complementary faces of this Gothic masterpiece.
Infos pratiques
Questions fréquentes
What is the treasury of Metz Cathedral?
It is the collection of sacred art and liturgical objects kept in Saint-Étienne Cathedral: goldwork, ivories, ornaments and relics tied to the building's history.
What notable things can you see?
Medieval ivory crosiers, goldwork from the 12th to the 19th century, the ring of Saint Arnoul, the cloak said to be Charlemagne's, and a famous articulated-jaw wooden head from a former organ.
Is entry free?
Entry to the cathedral is free, but access to the treasury (and crypt) is charged. Prices and hours are shown on site and on the cathedral's website.
Where can I find practical information?
Opening hours and visiting conditions are given on the official website of Metz Cathedral and may vary by season.
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