Musée d’art et d’histoire Georges Turpin
Municipal museum of Parthenay in the Maison des cultures de Pays: town history, archaeology and Parthenay faience. Free admission.
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About the museum
The Parthenay museum opened in 1935 and moved several times during its history. It is named after the collector Georges Turpin. It is now housed in the Maison des cultures de Pays, in the medieval town. In November 2025 it celebrated its 90th anniversary with an exhibition on its history and a brochure.
The second floor is devoted to local history from the Middle Ages to the 18th century, with a model of the town, ceramics, coins, archaeological objects and goldsmiths’ work. The third floor presents the collections from the 19th century to the present, including a unique display on the Parthenay faience manufactory, with works by Prosper Jouneau, Henri Amirault and Édouard Knoëpflin.
The museum offers free events, guided tours, workshops and lectures all year round, as well as programs for schools from preschool to middle and high school. Admission is free for everyone.
Highlights
- Model of the medieval town of Parthenay
- Collection of Parthenay faience
- Archaeological objects, coins and goldsmiths’ work
- Free admission and events throughout the year
Permanent exhibitions
- Collections du Moyen Âge au XVIIIe siècle – History of Parthenay, with a town model, ceramics, coins, archaeological objects and goldsmiths’ work.
- Collections du XIXe siècle à nos jours et faïences de Parthenay – Presentation of the Parthenay faience manufactory, with works by Prosper Jouneau, Henri Amirault and Édouard Knoëpflin.
- Founded
- 1935
- Visitors per year
- approx. 11,354
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Groups (5+ people) | –Group visits outside opening hours possible by appointment from 5 people. |
|---|
Free admission for everyone.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
During school holidays: playful exhibition visits by age group (for example ages 3–6, 6–9 and 10–14) and a family storytelling walk, according to the museum’s program.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
Museum shop (payment by check, cash or bank card).
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours, workshops, lectures and events free of charge all year round (“Les rendez-vous” section). School groups book by phone (+33 5 49 94 92 57) or by email (sce-publics-musee@cc-parthenay-gatine.fr). |
