Musée de la Corbillière

About the museum

The Musée de la Corbillière was founded in 1967 by a group of enthusiasts devoted to the memory of the ceramicist Alexandre Bigot. Little by little it brought together works by artists from Mer from the late 19th to the early 20th century. Run by a volunteer association until 2015, it was then taken over by the town. It has borne the Musée de France designation since 2003.

It occupies an elegant country house (gentilhommière) from the early 18th century, located in the Corbillière park in Mer.

The permanent collection presents three artists with very different styles. Pierre Loison (1816–1886), son of a clog maker born in Mer, trained in Paris under the sculptor David d'Angers; his works adorn the Louvre, the Paris Opera and the Blois law courts. Alexandre Bigot (1862–1927), also born in Mer, is a key figure of Art Nouveau: he invented flamed stoneware (grès flammés) and worked with leading architects, notably for the Castel Béranger and the Villa Majorelle; his studio was set up in Mer. John Storrs (1885–1956), born in Chicago, is a master of Art Deco; he created the monumental statue of Ceres in Chicago, settled in Mer and gradually turned to landscape painting.

A space for temporary exhibitions also showcases contemporary work by artists from the region.

Highlights

• Permanent collection devoted to Pierre Loison, Alexandre Bigot and John Storrs
• Art Nouveau flamed stoneware by Alexandre Bigot
• Sculptures by Pierre Loison, pupil of David d'Angers
• Sculptures and landscapes by John Storrs, Art Deco artist
• Exhibition space for temporary shows by artists from the region

Permanent exhibition

• Collection permanente : Pierre Loison, Alexandre Bigot, John Storrs – Sculptures, Art Nouveau flamed stoneware and Art Deco works by three artists connected with Mer.

Founded

1967

Operated by

Commune de Mer

Visitors per year

approx. 6,016

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free admission.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: not available
• 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

Access to the main building is via six steps without a ramp, which makes the visit difficult for people with reduced mobility and for visitors with strollers. The toilets are not accessible to people with reduced mobility. A study for step-free access is under way.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly: not available

Depending on the programme, the museum offers creative workshops (from age 8) and an immersive detective game (from age 10), by reservation. Because of the steps, visiting with a stroller is difficult.

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

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

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