Musée d'Angoulême

Situated in the heart of the historic center of Angoulême, the Musée d'Angoulême is a treasure trove of archaeological, ethnographic, and artistic wonders. Nestled near the majestic Saint-Pierre Cathedral, this museum offers visitors a fascinating journey through time and culture, from the ancient past to contemporary art. With its rich collections and engaging exhibitions, the Musée d'Angoulême is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Charente region.

A Historical Gem

The Musée d'Angoulême, formerly known as the Musée des Beaux-Arts d'Angoulême, is one of the most significant museums in the Charente capital. It shares its prominence with other notable institutions such as the archaeological museum, the museum of resistance and deportation, and the paper museum. Established in the early 20th century, the museum has undergone several modernizations, the most recent one from 2002 to 2008, which has enhanced its accessibility and presentation. The main entrance, now located at the Girard II square, welcomes visitors into a world of historical and artistic exploration.

Ground Floor: A Journey Through Time

The ground floor of the museum is dedicated to archaeological and paleontological collections, offering a glimpse into 500,000 years of Charente's history. The exhibits are organized into eight thematic sections, showcasing a variety of artifacts unearthed from local excavations. Among the highlights are the impressive skeletons of aurochs and the remains of the ancient elephant species Elephas antiquus. Visitors can also marvel at the skulls of Neanderthals and Cro-Magnons, along with the tools and weapons they crafted, such as bifaces and arrowheads.

The Celtic era is prominently featured, with notable items including a richly adorned Gaulish helmet from the 4th century BC, discovered in Agris. This section also displays various weapons, cult objects, and domestic items, providing insight into the daily lives and spiritual practices of the Celtic people. The Middle Ages are represented through artifacts related to the construction of Romanesque churches and fortified castles, including stone carvings and sculptures from the cathedral, illustrating the craftsmanship of medieval artists.

First Floor: Art from Afar

The first floor is home to the museum's extensive collection of non-European art, primarily from Africa and Oceania. This collection, which began with a generous donation from Dr. Jules Lhomme in 1934, has since grown to include over 3,000 priceless pieces. Visitors can admire a diverse array of artifacts, such as Baoulé statuettes from Côte d'Ivoire, a Toma mask from Guinea and Liberia, a Guéré mask from Côte d'Ivoire, and a Sogoni Kun crest from Mali. Other notable items include a Lobi statuette from Burkina Faso and Ghana, a Kanak warrior bust from New Caledonia, as well as various fetishes, jewelry, musical instruments, ritual objects, terracotta figures, and traditional garments.

The museum has preserved the chapel of the former episcopal palace, a modest oratory featuring a vaulted ceiling with ribbed arches and vibrant stained glass windows, adding a touch of sacred beauty to the exhibition space.

Second Floor: A World of Art

The second floor is dedicated to painting, sculpture, and weaponry. The museum's art collection began with a bequest from the painter François Rainguet in 1838 and has since expanded to include remarkable works from the 16th to the 20th centuries. Among the notable paintings are The Consternation of Priam and His Family After the Battle Between Achilles and Hector by Étienne-Barthélémy Garnier and Young and His Daughter by Pierre-Auguste Vafflard.

The museum also showcases works by Charente artists such as Léonard Jarraud and Henry Daras, as well as sculptures by Raoul Verlet. In addition to the displayed collections, the museum holds extensive reserves of numismatic, graphic, and photographic arts, as well as traditional costumes, which are not currently on display.

The Musée d'Angoulême is more than just a repository of artifacts; it is a vibrant cultural institution that hosts conferences and temporary exhibitions, continually enriching the cultural landscape of Angoulême. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply curious about the past, a visit to the Musée d'Angoulême promises an enlightening and memorable experience.