Musée Bargoin

In the heart of Clermont-Ferrand, at the intersection of rue Ballainvilliers and boulevard Lafayette, lies a gem of cultural heritage—the Musée Bargoin. This museum, named after the wealthy industrialist Jean-Baptiste Bargoin, offers a captivating journey through time with its impressive collections of archaeological artifacts and textile masterpieces. Established in 1903, the museum has become a beacon of history and art, drawing visitors from near and far to explore its treasures.

The Origins and Architecture of Musée Bargoin

Jean-Baptiste Bargoin, a prominent figure in Clermont-Ferrand's industrial scene, left a significant portion of his fortune to the city with the vision of creating a museum. The architectural marvel that houses the Musée Bargoin was designed by the local architect Joseph Dionnet. The building’s façade is adorned with intricate marble bas-reliefs representing the Arts, sculpted by P. Gray, and features exquisite ironwork by Bernardin, a master of wrought iron art.

Initially conceived in the 19th century to showcase fine arts, the museum also began exhibiting numerous archaeological pieces discovered locally upon its inauguration. Over the years, the museum has evolved, with its fine arts collection moving to the Musée d'Art Roger-Quilliot, allowing the Musée Bargoin to focus on its archaeological and textile collections. Today, the museum is managed by Clermont Auvergne Métropole, continuing its legacy of preserving and presenting history.

Exploring the Archaeological Collections

The ground floor of the Musée Bargoin is a treasure trove of archaeological wonders, spanning from the Prehistoric era to the Middle Ages. The collections primarily originate from excavations and discoveries within the Clermont-Ferrand basin and the broader Puy-de-Dôme region. Visitors can marvel at objects from Roman, Etruscan, and Greek origins, collected by local scholars, enthusiasts, and antiquarians during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Among the prehistoric highlights is the significant lithic collection from the Durif Shelter, a Magdalenian site located in Enval (Vic-le-Comte). One of the most notable exhibits is the Young Girl of Cheix, a Neolithic skeleton unearthed in 1938, representing the oldest known human remains in Auvergne. The Bronze Age is vividly represented by the Manson Hoard, discovered in 1873, comprising a hundred bronze objects, including armaments and ornaments.

Roman antiquities are particularly well-represented, with artifacts from local excavations. The necropolis of Martres-de-Veyre, excavated in the late 19th century, revealed five well-preserved tombs with various organic remains. A monumental bronze foot, discovered in 2006, is a standout piece, believed to be part of a colossal statue from the Roman era.

The museum also houses a remarkable collection of Gallo-Roman ex-votos from the Source des Roches in Chamalières. This collection, consisting of approximately 3,500 wooden ex-votos dating from 30 BC to 100 AD, is displayed in the basement and is renowned for its diversity and exceptional state of preservation. A lead tablet found at the site is crucial for understanding the Gaulish language.

The Textile Art Collections

The upper floors of the Musée Bargoin are dedicated to the fascinating world of textile arts. Spanning continents and centuries, the museum's textile collection includes pieces from Central Asia, North Africa, and Central America, dating from the 18th to the 21st centuries. Due to their delicate nature, these textiles are exhibited on a rotating basis, ensuring their preservation.

Since 2012, the museum has co-produced biennial exhibitions with the association HS_Projets as part of the Festival International des Textiles Extraordinaires (FITE). These exhibitions, held in even-numbered years, celebrate the rich diversity and cultural significance of textile arts, with an international edition taking place in odd-numbered years.

Temporary Exhibitions and Events

The Musée Bargoin regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, providing fresh and engaging experiences for visitors. One such notable exhibition is Rebelles, held in 2016, where graffiti artists from the ENDtoEND collective created chalk aerosol paintings on the museum's façades, blending contemporary art with historical architecture.

Currently, the museum is showcasing Le temps de la Méridienne. 5000 ans d'histoire sous l'autoroute A75, an exhibition running from October 2023 to May 2024. This exhibition delves into the rich history unearthed during the construction of the A75 motorway, offering a unique perspective on the region's archaeological heritage.

In conclusion, the Musée Bargoin is not just a museum but a journey through time, offering a comprehensive glimpse into the archaeological and textile heritage of Clermont-Ferrand and beyond. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply a curious traveler, a visit to the Musée Bargoin promises to be an enriching and unforgettable experience.