Musée de la Coutellerie

About the museum

Thiers has been making knives for more than six centuries. The museum opened in 1982 to preserve this tradition and tell the social and economic history of Thiers cutlery, from its craft beginnings to the start of industrialisation. It highlights the jurande, the cutlers' guild, and the organisation of work into “rangs” (ranks), which founded the city's international reputation.

The museum occupies two sites in the old town of Thiers, at numbers 23 and 58 Rue de la Coutellerie. It holds the “Musée de France” designation. The collection comprises about 700 pieces from the 16th century to today, from French and foreign cutlery centres: peasant knives, prestige knives with mother-of-pearl, ivory or gold handles, and old and recent models that show how the object has evolved.

A museum workshop makes knives sold in the shop, and workshops for young people are held during the holidays. The team also looks after the “Chez Lyonnet” grindstone (rouet), the last working whetstone mill at the Vallée des Rouets site.

Highlights

• About 700 knives from the 16th century to today
• Prestige knives with mother-of-pearl, ivory and gold
• History of the jurande and the “rangs” of Thiers cutlery
• Knife-making workshop
• “Chez Lyonnet” grindstone at the Vallée des Rouets (in summer)

Permanent exhibition

• Collection permanente de coutellerie – About 700 pieces from the 16th century to today on the social and economic history of Thiers cutlery.

Founded

1982

Operated by

Ville de Thiers

Visitors per year

approx. 48,909

Admission & discounts

The adult rate of €6 applies from September to June. Pass Cezam is listed among the partners on the town's website.

Accessibility

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

The museum is difficult to access for people with reduced mobility, so it is advisable to call ahead. Animals are not admitted, except guide dogs.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

During the holidays, young people can make a wooden pocket knife or decorate knives with a museum cutler. Booking is through the Vacances Livradois-Forez website. Admission is free for under-10s.

Getting there & parking

Both museum sites are in the old town, on Rue de la Coutellerie.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Craft shop with knives made in the museum workshop, knife-shaped keyrings, postcards, magnets and a bookshop.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit