Musée départemental de l'École Publique

About the museum

The museum is housed in a former public school from the late 19th century, located near the railway station of Vergné in the Charente-Maritime department. The school closed in 1992. The commune decided to create a museum of the primary school in the premises and restored the building in 1992 and 1993 before opening it to the public in 1995.

The museum is now run by an association with around one hundred members. About fifteen volunteers keep the place running, and one employee handles opening and the guided visit offered to visitors.

The route presents a classroom of the past with its furniture and authentic teaching material. Each school year a temporary exhibition showcases some of the objects kept in storage. The museum also holds regular activities: seasonal dictations, family games during school holidays and the certificat d'études primaires (historic primary school leaving examination) test, open to everyone in the autumn. A shop sells souvenirs linked to the school of the past.

Highlights

• Reconstructed Third Republic classroom
• School supplies, furniture and authentic objects from the school of the past
• Guided visit by a museum employee
• Seasonal dictations and certificat d'études primaires open to everyone
• Family game “Trouve la bonne carte !” during school holidays

Permanent exhibition

• Salle de classe de la Troisième République – Reconstructed rural classroom with furniture, teaching material and authentic objects from the school of the past.

Founded

1995

Operated by

Association Musée départemental de l'École Publique

Visitors per year

approx. 1,600

Admission & discounts

The child rate of €2 also applies to the Wednesday game during school holidays. Payment methods at the shop: cash, cheque, bank card.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• 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 has a ramp for people with disabilities.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Every Wednesday of the school holidays, the museum offers a family game, “Trouve la bonne carte !”, with questions that lead through the exhibition and evoke life at school in the past; the price is that of museum admission.

Getting there & parking

The museum is located at the locality of Tout y Faut, near the town hall, on Route de la Gare.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The shop, accessible only through the museum, sells books, postcards, quill pens, pen nibs, violet ink and other school souvenirs.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit