Musée du Théâtre Forain

About the museum

The idea for the museum emerged in the 1980s, when researchers from the University of Paris X-Nanterre became interested in demountable theatres, the last of which had ceased operating shortly before. They tracked down former travelling actors, among them Jean and Solange Créteur, who had settled near Artenay after their theatre closed in 1974, and persuaded them to return to the stage for a documentary film. In 1983 the commune of Artenay made its village hall available for filming, and the mayor of the time suggested on that occasion a museum to preserve the memory of this travelling life.

The starting point of the collection was the acquisition in 1985 of the entire holdings of the Créteur and Cavalier families, two showman families related since the late 19th century. Over the years the museum added to its collections through purchases, gifts and loans from former travelling actors. It opened to the public in September 1995.

The museum occupies a former Beauce farm, the Ferme du Paradis. According to its own information, it displays more than 3,500 costumes, sets and props used by travelling theatres from the mid-19th century to the late 1970s: backdrops, set models, make-up boxes, role books, posters and engravings. A performance hall also hosts a cultural season programme.

Highlights

• Route through four centuries of travelling theatre, from the commedia dell’arte to demountable theatres
• Collection of costumes, sets and stage props assembled by the Créteur and Cavalier families
• Stage set models at 1:20 scale
• Costumed family visits and activity booklet
• Performance hall with a cultural season programme

Permanent exhibition

• Collections permanentes du théâtre forain – A walk through four centuries of travelling theatre, with stage sets, period costumes and props from touring companies.

Founded

1995

Operated by

Commune d'Artenay

Director

Benoît Tétu

Admission & discounts

Free admission on proof for children under 3, members of the association Les Amis du Musée du Théâtre Forain, members of the Musées en Centre-Val de Loire network, holders of the Pass Pro Tourisme Loiret and journalists. Payment accepted in cash, by cheque, by bank card and by holiday vouchers.

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 holds the “Tourisme et Handicap” label for hearing and intellectual disabilities and declares itself accessible to all people with disabilities. A ramp gives access for visitors with reduced mobility, and the performance hall is wheelchair-accessible. Spectators who need a particular seat can say so when booking. The visitor services team welcomes specialised organisations and adapts its activities to each request.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

Throughout the year the museum offers activities for young audiences: costumed family visits where children choose a stage costume, mask trials and puppet handling, costumed Wednesdays, mornings for the very young, creative workshops and shows during the holidays, and a family activity booklet from age 5.

Getting there & parking

By car: motorways A10 and A19 (exit 13), RD 2020 (30 minutes from Orléans), RN 154 (50 minutes from Chartres). Paris is 1 hour 15 minutes away. In the centre of Artenay village, follow the signs: the museum is behind the town hall, near the library and the music school.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit