Compa, le musée de l'agriculture

About the museum

The idea of a national museum of agricultural machinery was launched in 1977 by the professional union SEDIMA. Chartres was chosen in 1981, and the museum opened to the public on July 17, 1990, under the name Conservatoire national du machinisme et des pratiques agricoles (COMPA). In 1995 it broadened its scope to agriculture, food and the environment and became the Conservatoire de l'agriculture.

It occupies a former SNCF roundhouse built in 1905 to repair steam locomotives. The Département of Eure-et-Loir bought the building in 1985 and renovated it from 1989, keeping the steel framework. The museum received the Musée de France label in 2002.

The museum was renovated in 2016 and its spaces were reorganised. It closed in March 2020 because of the health crisis and reopened in September 2022. Its collections include agricultural machines and tools from the 18th to the mid-20th century, including tractors. The museum is run by the Département of Eure-et-Loir.

Highlights

• France's first museum devoted to agriculture, covering about 3,000 m²
• Former 1905 railway roundhouse with steel framework
• Tractors, machines and tools from the 18th to the 20th century
• Workshops and activities for families and school groups

Permanent exhibition

• Collections permanentes – Agricultural machines and tools from the 18th to the mid-20th century in a former railway roundhouse: the farm work cycle and the evolution of techniques.

Founded

1990

Operated by

Département d'Eure-et-Loir

Visitors per year

approx. 54,700

Admission & discounts

Free admission for under-6s, school groups, the press and ICOM card holders.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The tourist office lists the museum as accessible to people with reduced mobility; guided visits and workshops adapted to visitors with disabilities are offered.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area

The museum is aimed in particular at families, tourists and school groups. Workshops and screenings for children are on the programme; according to the tourist office there is also a play area and a changing room.

Getting there & parking

According to the tourist office, the museum is also located at 1 rue de la République, Pont de Mainvilliers, 28300 Mainvilliers.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Shop with books, games and local products; picnic area.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Spaces can be rented by companies, professionals and associations for cultural, scientific, academic or economic events; according to the tourist office, an equipped seminar room and a projection room are available.

Plan your visit