L'Arche Museum and Archives
The islands' main museum and archive, on the Saint-Pierre waterfront.
Updated 3 September 2026
L'Arche on the Saint-Pierre waterfront holds the territorial archive and the main historical collection: the cod fishery that the islands existed for, the Basque and Breton and Norman arrivals, the Prohibition years, and the everyday material of island life. It also holds the guillotine brought here for a single execution in 1889 and never used again, which is the object most visitors come away talking about. Researchers use the archive by appointment, and the reading room is separate from the display floors.
What's there
- The cod fishery collection - the trade the islands were built on.
- The archive - the territorial records held in the building.
- The Prohibition material - the years the port ran on liquor.
- The guillotine - the machine used once in 1889 and kept since.
When to go
June to September is the main season and hours are longest. Opening is reduced outside summer. Rainy days fill it up.
Things to know
Most labelling is in French with limited translation. The building is modern and the collection is smaller than the space suggests. Opening hours narrow considerably outside the summer.
Nearby
Musée Héritage is nearby, and the harbour is alongside.
What to pack for L'Arche Museum and Archives
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon
- A refillable water bottle - Many cities have public fountains; save money and plastic. Find on Amazon
- A light layer + compact umbrella - For museum air-con and a sudden shower. Find on Amazon
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
