Musée d'art et d'histoire de Melun

About the museum

The Musée d'art et d'histoire de Melun was founded in 1860. It is housed on the Île Saint-Étienne, in the heart of the town, in the Hôtel de la Vicomté, a 17th-century mansion (some sources suggest the 16th century), remodeled in the 19th and 20th centuries and extended with a contemporary wing. It belongs to the City of Melun.

The collections trace the history of Melun from Antiquity through the Middle Ages and the Revolution up to the 19th century. An interpretation space presents the Roman and medieval archaeological heritage of the Île Saint-Étienne. Commemorative and decorative sculptures, portraits and local ceramics are shown in rotation.

The museum is also known for its works by artists of the 1860s to the 1880s, especially those of the sculptor Henri Chapu (1833–1891), including more than 150 portraits, of which more than 80 are medals. Also featured are envois from Rome, large mythological and historical compositions, 17th-century still lifes by Van Hulsdonck, a bronze by Barthélemy Prieur and a work by Delacroix donated in 1866. The museum organizes temporary exhibitions, lectures and workshops.

Highlights

• Sculptures by Henri Chapu, with more than 150 portraits, including medals
• History of Melun from Antiquity to the 19th century
• Roman and medieval archaeological heritage of the Île Saint-Étienne
• Route “L'art de représenter le mythe,” with envois from Rome and large compositions
• Still lifes by Van Hulsdonck and a bronze by Barthélemy Prieur

Permanent exhibitions

• Histoire de Melun – Commemorative and decorative sculptures, portraits and local ceramics, shown in rotation, with a space on the archaeological heritage of the Île Saint-Étienne.
• L'art de représenter le mythe – Envois from Rome and large mythological and historical compositions from the second half of the 19th century.
• Le portrait sculpté – Portraits of contemporaries modeled by Henri Chapu, including more than 80 medals.

Founded

1860

Operated by

Ville de Melun

Visitors per year

approx. 12,690

Admission & discounts

Free admission: The first Sunday of every month

Free for residents of Melun and of the Melun Val de Seine urban community for the permanent collections. Other free admissions and reductions apply under certain conditions.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Activities for children aged 5 and up during school holidays (tours, workshops and afternoon snacks).

Getting there & parking

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Amenities & dining

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Events & venue rental

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