Musée Thomas-Henry

In the heart of Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, the Musée Thomas-Henry stands as a beacon of artistic heritage and cultural enlightenment. Housing an impressive collection of approximately 300 works, predominantly paintings from the 15th to the 19th centuries, this museum is a must-visit for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike. It proudly holds the title of the third most significant fine arts museum in Normandy, a testament to the richness and diversity of its collection.

The Fascinating History of Musée Thomas-Henry

The origins of the Musée Thomas-Henry are as intriguing as the art it houses. Between 1831 and 1835, a series of anonymous donations were made to the city of Cherbourg. It was later revealed that these generous gifts came from Thomas Henry, an art dealer and commissioner for the royal museums during the Restoration period. Having lost his two sons, Henry aimed to foster an appreciation for art among the youth of Cherbourg. One of the first beneficiaries of this vision was Jean-François Millet, who began his artistic journey by copying the museum's paintings upon its inauguration.

In 1835, the museum was officially established with an initial collection of 163 paintings, featuring works by early masters such as Fra Angelico and Filippino Lippi. Over the years, the collection expanded thanks to further donations from local patrons, including Captain Troude, sculptor Armand Le Véel, and the family of Millet. The museum's holdings continued to grow, with the city making strategic acquisitions from 1965 onwards, particularly enhancing the Millet collection.

Originally housed in two rooms of the town hall, the museum found a new home in 1983 within the newly created cultural center, now known as the Quasar, located on the site of the old grain halls. After a period of closure for renovations in 2012, the museum reopened its doors in March 2016, ready to welcome art lovers from near and far.

Exploring the Collection

The Musée Thomas-Henry boasts a collection so vast and varied that it has earned the nickname Petit Louvre. Visitors can marvel at masterpieces from a range of periods and styles. Among the highlights are works by Italian primitives, including Fra Angelico's The Conversion of Saint Augustine and Filippino Lippi's The Entombment. The collection also features pieces by renowned Italian Renaissance and Baroque artists such as Sebastiano Mainardi, Domenico Puligo, and Giovanni Paolo Panini.

The museum's holdings extend beyond Italian art, with significant works by Flemish and Dutch painters like Paul Bril, Jacob Jordaens, and Rachel Ruysch. Spanish art is represented as well, with notable pieces by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo and Francisco de Herrera the Elder. French art enthusiasts will delight in the museum's extensive collection of 17th and 18th-century French paintings, including works by Nicolas Poussin, Philippe de Champaigne, and Jean-Baptiste Greuze.

One of the museum's crowning jewels is its collection of paintings and drawings by Jean-François Millet, second only to that of the Musée d'Orsay in Paris. Millet's works, known for their poignant depictions of rural life, offer a glimpse into the soul of 19th-century France. The museum also showcases numerous paintings by Guillaume Fouace and sculptures by Armand Le Véel, as well as works by other artists from the North Cotentin region.

The Biennale of the 9th Art

Since the year 2000, the Musée Thomas-Henry has hosted the Biennale of the 9th Art, an event dedicated to the art of comic books. Each edition of the biennale spotlights the work of a prominent comic book artist, drawing enthusiasts from across the globe. Past honorees include Enki Bilal, François Schuiten, and Hugo Pratt, among others. This unique event underscores the museum's commitment to celebrating all forms of artistic expression, from classical paintings to modern graphic novels.

Visiting the Musée Thomas-Henry

A visit to the Musée Thomas-Henry is a journey through centuries of artistic achievement. As you wander through its galleries, you'll encounter a rich tapestry of styles, subjects, and techniques, each piece telling its own story. The museum's thoughtfully curated exhibitions provide context and insight, enhancing your appreciation of the artworks on display.

Whether you're an art aficionado or a casual visitor, the Musée Thomas-Henry offers an enriching experience that will leave you with a deeper understanding of the cultural heritage of Cherbourg-en-Cotentin and beyond. Don't miss the chance to explore this hidden gem in the heart of Normandy, where history and art come together to create a truly unforgettable experience.