Founded in 1139, the name of the abbey comes from Léger, the bishop of Autun , martyred at the 7th century.

Prosperous at the 12th century and rebuilt since 1200, it was damaged during the Hundred Years’ War and the occupation of the city by the Protestants in 1567/1568.

Sold at the Revolution to a wine merchant, it has been occupied for various purposes until the Municipal Museum was installed in it in 1933.Three rooms house its collections devoted to the local history, the Flemish, French and Italian painting schools, the archaeology in the Aisne valley.

Cultural events, temporary exhibitions, concerts and visits liven up this space all round the year.