Musée de la Faïence de Quimper

About the museum

Faience has been made in Quimper since the late 17th century, in the Locmaria district on the banks of the Odet. The first notable faience maker, who came from Provence, settled there in 1699. Influences from Nevers, Rouen and Marseille gradually blended together, until the “style Quimper”, drawing on Breton imagery, appeared at the end of the 19th century.

The Musée de la Faïence was founded in 1991 by Bernard Verlingue, a descendant of a family of local faience makers. It is a private institution, housed in the former Porquier manufactory, behind the Henriot-Quimper faience works. It operates through ticket sales and patronage, supported by an association of friends.

The collection includes more than 2,000 works, of which around 500 pieces are on display and regularly rotated. It brings together religious, historical and everyday pieces from the 18th century to today, with a strong emphasis on 20th-century artists, including those of the Seiz Breur movement. Each year, a thematic exhibition is prepared during the winter closure.

Highlights

• Three centuries of Quimper faience, from the 18th to the 20th century
• More than 2,000 works, of which around 500 are on display
• Traditional “petit Breton” decoration and creations by the Seiz Breur artists
• Guided tours and clay-modelling workshops
• Neighbouring Henriot-Quimper faience works

Permanent exhibition

• Collection permanente de faïence de Quimper – Around 500 pieces selected from a collection of more than 2,000 works, from the 18th century to today, shown in rooms devoted to traditional decoration, the Quimper style and the Seiz Breur artists.

Founded

1991

Operated by

Établissement privé (Bernard Verlingue)

Admission & discounts

Discount with the CEZAM card; no other discounts are offered, as the museum is a private institution. Since summer 2026 the museum has taken part in the Pass Patrimoine scheme run by the Fondation du Patrimoine.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• 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

The museum describes itself as fully accessible to wheelchair users.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

Clay-modelling workshops open to all ages (from age 3), a drawing workshop from age 7, and a children’s trail through the permanent exhibition during the European Heritage Days. Family rate of €13 for two adults and two children under 12.

Getting there & parking

The museum is on Rue Jean-Baptiste Bousquet, behind the Henriot-Quimper faience works, on the banks of the Odet.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Shop with faience creations and exhibition catalogues.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit