Musée d'art religieux de Blois
Diocesan museum in the Cloister of the Jacobins in Blois: statues, liturgical silverwork, embroidered vestments and objects of devotion; free admission.
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About the museum
The diocesan museum of religious art was created in 1932 at the initiative of Monsignor Audollent, Bishop of Blois, to introduce seminarians to the history of art. Since 1984 it has been housed on the first floor of the former Jacobin convent, between the castle and the Loire. The convent was founded on this site by the Count of Blois in 1273; the buildings visible today include the cloister, the former refectory, the dormitory and the chapter house, dating from the 15th and 16th centuries.
The collections show two thousand years of artistic creation inspired by the Christian faith, by recognised artists as well as simple craftsmen: stone and wooden statuary from the 15th to the 19th century, liturgical silverwork, reliquaries and objects of devotion. More than 1,700 pieces of liturgical vestments and linen are preserved, including remarkable embroideries made by the Carmelites of Blois in the 17th century. The museum also holds rare pieces, paperolles and canivets, made by contemplative nuns.
The museum's library contains incunabula and illuminated manuscripts from the 15th century. Because there is not enough room in the cloister, the collections cannot all be shown. Since 2014, a friends association has supported the museum's development.
Highlights
- Stone and wooden statuary from the 15th to the 19th century
- Liturgical silverwork, including the ciborium of Vendôme (16th century)
- Embroideries by the Carmelites of Blois
- Paperolles and canivets by contemplative nuns
- Cloister and rooms of the former Jacobin convent
Permanent exhibition
- Collections d'art religieux – Statues, silverwork, liturgical vestments and objects of devotion illustrate art inspired by the Christian faith.
- Founded
- 1932
- Operated by
- Diocèse de Blois
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Free admission; a collection box allows voluntary contributions towards the upkeep of the museum. Free guided tour by appointment.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
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Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 75 min |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Free guided tour of about 1 hour 15 minutes, by appointment, in the morning or afternoon, Monday to Saturday (09:00–12:00 and 14:00–18:00). |
