Musée du Peigne et de la Plasturgie
Municipal museum in Oyonnax, in the heart of the Plastics Vallée, presenting combs, eyeglasses and plastic objects, with about 16,000 items.
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About the museum
The museum is run by the city of Oyonnax and housed in the Centre culturel Aragon, in the heart of the Plastics Vallée. It tells the industrial story of an innovative valley, from hair ornaments to eyeglasses, including decorative arts and design. The first major acquisition, which founded the museum, was made by the municipality in 1928. It includes many unique celluloid pieces by Marie-Léon Arbez-Carme (1858–1928), such as combs, vases, plates, boxes and pictures.
The collections, estimated at about 16,000 objects, later grew through collection drives launched by the Jeune Chambre économique de Nantua-Oyonnax and by the Association des Amis du Musée, then through considered purchases, donations and deposits. They include combs and hair ornaments made in Oyonnax, eyeglasses manufactured in the town from 1925 onwards, toys, fashion objects, household and furnishing items, and 32 dresses and accessories by Paco Rabanne.
The museum also displays manufacturing machines and tools, a comb workshop from 1900, plastic design furniture and a century of eyeglasses. It presents early materials such as celluloid and galalith, followed by synthetics such as Bakelite, nylon, polyethylene and polystyrene. The display has been renewed.
Highlights
- Around 16,000 objects on combs, eyeglasses and plastics
- Celluloid pieces by Marie-Léon Arbez-Carme
- 32 dresses and accessories by Paco Rabanne
- Comb workshop from 1900
- A century of eyeglasses and plastic design furniture
Permanent exhibition
- Collections permanentes du Musée du Peigne et de la Plasturgie – Combs and hair ornaments, eyeglasses, plastic objects, dresses by Paco Rabanne, manufacturing machines and design furniture.
- Founded
- 1928
- Operated by
- Ville d'Oyonnax
- Visitors per year
- approx. 7,686
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €4 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3 |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 15 · Free admission for children under 16. |
| Groups (8+ people) | €3 per personRate per person for groups of 8 or more. |
| Guided group visit (in addition to the €3 admission) | €4.50 |
| Birthday without cake (per person) | €6 |
| Birthday with cake (per person) | €9 |
The museum mentions the Pass Découvertes de l’Ain.
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 indicates access for people with disabilities.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 15 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Kids’ birthday parties
On Wednesdays at 16:00, a 20-minute “visite craquante” is offered free of charge to young visitors without an adult. Two-hour birthday parties are held on Wednesdays from 14:30 to 16:30 for children aged 5 and up, by reservation.
Getting there & parking
By car
Free parking
The museum is housed in the Centre culturel Aragon, 88 cours de Verdun. The museum notes free parking.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
The shop sells handmade hair ornaments, jewelry, bags and accessories made from cellulose acetate, horn or recycled plastic.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Visits of the museum, the city’s industrial heritage and the Grande Vapeur are offered to groups by reservation (04 74 81 96 80 or 82). School groups and leisure centers have visits and workshops from nursery school to higher education. |
