Musée des Mille et Une Racines
Museum in Cornimont showcasing more than a thousand roots sculpted by nature and gathered by Vosges artist Michel Maurice (1937–2014).
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About the museum
Michel Maurice (1937–2014) was born in Cornimont, in the Upper Vosges. A factory worker his whole life, he began collecting roots, branches and stumps in the Vosges forests as early as the 1960s. He let their natural forms guide each piece, which became a character, an animal or a fairy-tale scene. His collection numbered more than 1,400 roots at the time of his death.
He first showed his creations to the children of the neighborhood, in a large barrel and then in a small room. In 1986 he opened a 500 m² museum with his family, behind the family home.
After his death, his family, friends and admirers founded an association to preserve the integrity of his work. In keeping with his wishes, the museum moved in 2016 to a more accessible location: a converted former textile factory in the center of Cornimont, with the support of the town. The single-level route presents more than 1,000 works and an original soundscape by audio naturalist Marc Namblard.
Highlights
- More than 1,000 root sculptures by Michel Maurice
- Single-level visit in a converted former textile factory
- Original soundscape by audio naturalist Marc Namblard
- Treasure hunt for children and mascot Pôpah le sotré
- Famille Plus label
Permanent exhibition
- Les racines de Michel Maurice – More than a thousand works sculpted by nature and gathered by the Vosges artist, presented in a forest-themed setting with an original soundscape.
- Founded
- 1986
- Operated by
- Association des amis de l'œuvre de Michel Maurice, avec le soutien de la commune de Cornimont
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3Children aged 10 to 16 (half price) |
| Children & teens | €3free up to age 9 · Half price for children aged 10 to 16. |
Free admission for children under 10, including during summer events. The free Pass Musées offers a reduced rate from the visit to a second partner site (Musée textile de Ventron, Musée du bois de Saulxures-sur-Moselotte, Terrae Genesis in Le Syndicat).
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking
- 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 is single-level (about 500 m²), without obstacles, and accessible to people with reduced mobility. A large parking lot beside the museum suits visitors with disabilities and coaches.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 9 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Stroller-friendly
The museum holds the Famille Plus label. A treasure hunt around the works and the mascot Pôpah le sotré accompany young visitors, and the lecterns are set at children's height. Summer activities (shows, storytelling walks, workshops, concerts) take place in July and August, free for children under 10. Strollers are allowed.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Large parking lot right next to the museum, suitable for visitors with disabilities and coaches.
- Accessible parking
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
Books and an illustrated story book are sold at the museum.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Photography | Amateur visitors may photograph the works, with or without flash. |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Individual or family visits without reservation. Groups must book (number of people and arrival time). |
