Musée Alfred-Canel

About the museum

The museum takes its name from Alfred Canel (1803–1879), lawyer, mayor, historian and bibliophile. He founded the municipal library of Pont-Audemer in 1834 and, at his death, bequeathed to the town his house, his books, part of his furniture and some income. In 1884 the library moved into this residence, which also housed the cantonal museum.

The Canel family house retains its 19th-century character, notably in the library and the study. During the renovation of the 2000s, the architect Philippe Prost added an exhibition space on the upper floor, offering a view of the church of Saint-Ouen and the rooftops of the town.

The collections comprise about 20,000 books, including manuscripts and incunabula, graphic documents on Normandy, 19th-century paintings of Normandy landscapes, archaeological objects from prehistory to the Middle Ages, fossils, beetles, herbaria and old photographic glass plates. The museum is part of the Réseau des musées de Normandie.

Highlights

• Alfred Canel's study with carved paneling and a letter from Gustave Flaubert
• Large library with manuscripts and incunabula
• Norman library and graphic documents on Normandy
• Gallery of 19th-century arts and sciences
• Upper-floor exhibition space with a view of the church of Saint-Ouen

Permanent exhibitions

• Cabinet de travail d'Alfred Canel – The founder's office, with carved paneling and a tiered secretary desk that holds his correspondence.
• Grande bibliothèque – About 9,000 works from the 15th to the 19th century, including manuscripts and incunabula.
• Galerie des arts et des sciences – Large 19th-century gallery devoted to the fine arts, local archaeology, natural sciences and industry.

Founded

1876

Operated by

Ville de Pont-Audemer

Visitors per year

approx. 6,923

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission to the museum is free. Only guided tours, events, lectures, workshops and consultation of the old collection are paid.

Accessibility

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

The permanent collections are accessible to visitors with reduced mobility. An induction loop is available for hearing-impaired visitors. For visually impaired visitors, the museum offers raised-line reproductions of some paintings, high-contrast versions, large-print room sheets and texts in Braille. An easy-to-read booklet in French also exists, and visits can be adapted to different disabilities.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Age-appropriate booklets, led by the mascot Coléo the beetle, are handed out free at reception. The museum organizes storytelling visits, games and guided tours for families, as well as workshops during school holidays. The annual family subscription costs €10.

Getting there & parking

Entrance via the Cour Canel, 64 rue de la République. From Caen (74 km): motorway A13, exit 28 (Beuzeville), then D675 towards Pont-Audemer. From Rouen (55 km): A13, exit 26 (Bourneville), then D89 and D675.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

On-site bookshop and shop, with the same opening hours as the museum.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit