Maison des Lumières Denis Diderot

About the museum

The Maison des Lumières Denis Diderot is dedicated to the philosopher and encyclopedist Denis Diderot, born in Langres. The museum opened in 2013, the tercentenary year of his birth, and holds the Musée de France label. It occupies the Hôtel Du Breuil de Saint-Germain, a 16th- and 18th-century building in the centre of town.

The route presents Diderot's life and work in the context of the Enlightenment: his wide-ranging curiosity, his relations with Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Empress Catherine II of Russia, his difficult relationship with his home town and family, his major contribution to the Encyclopédie and his aesthetic tastes. Local and European themes complete the visit: Langres cutlery (coutellerie langroise), the work of printers, the network of scholars and the role of correspondence.

The collections include sculptures by Antoine Besançon, Houdon and Bartholdi, paintings by Chardin, Greuze, Doyen and Berthélemy, first editions of the Encyclopédie and texts by Diderot and his contemporaries, as well as scientific instruments and old maps showing the advances of science in the 18th century.

Highlights

• First editions of the Encyclopédie and texts by Diderot
• Sculptures by Houdon, Bartholdi and Antoine Besançon
• Paintings by Chardin, Greuze, Doyen and Berthélemy
• Scientific instruments and old maps of the 18th century
• Langres cutlery, printing and the network of European scholars

Permanent exhibition

• Collection permanente : Diderot et le siècle des Lumières – A three-level route through Diderot's life and work, the Encyclopédie and the knowledge of the 18th century.

Founded

2013

Operated by

Musées de Langres

Admission & discounts

Free admission: First Sunday of each month; Saturday of the Museum Night (Nuit des musées); Saturday of the European Archaeology Days; Saturday and Sunday of the European Heritage Days; Sunday of the Rencontres philosophiques de Langres; October 5 (Diderot's birthday); one day of the Fête de la science

Single ticket valid for the Maison des Lumières and the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire. Free entry also for recipients of the RSA, holders of the ICOM card or press card, and members of the Amis des Musées de Langres and the SHAL who are up to date with their membership.

Accessibility

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

A wheelchair can be lent at reception on request. In partnership with the association Langres Signes, bilingual French – French Sign Language (LSF) guided tours are offered to groups, subject to the association's availability.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Workshops for children and teenagers during school holidays (for example “Carnet de voyage” or “Herboristes en herbe”), by reservation.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Up to 70 guests.

Private visits of the collections with a mediator, outside opening hours, for up to 70 people (€1,500 per group): all day on Mondays, and Tuesday to Sunday from 19:00 from April to September and from 17:00 from October to March.

Plan your visit