Musée Henri-Barré
Neo-Gothic collector’s house from 1862 in Thouars, presenting faience, fine arts, archaeology and ethnography; open May to September.
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About the museum
The museum is housed in the private mansion built in 1862 by Dr Henri Barré, physician, collector and artist, in the Châtelet district at the heart of Thouars’ old town. The house is neo-Gothic in style, inspired by nearby medieval monuments such as the Hôtel des Trois Rois, the church of Saint-Médard and the Hôtel Tyndo.
The plot had been bought in 1828 by Henri Barré’s father. It previously housed an octagonal Protestant temple built in 1644, which later became a Catholic church, then a communal barn, before it was demolished.
The house has kept part of its interior decoration, notably the kitchen, the entrance hall and the doctor’s study in troubadour style, and it retains the charm of a collector’s house. The collections, spread over three levels, tell the story of Thouars and the Thouarsais and also travel around the world: French and foreign faience, fine arts, furniture, archaeology and ethnographic objects. Each year, from May to September, the museum offers a program of exhibitions and events.
Highlights
- 1862 neo-Gothic mansion with preserved interior decoration
- French (Nevers, Moustiers, Rouen) and foreign faience (Delft, Faenza)
- Kitchen, hall and doctor’s study in troubadour style
- Collections of archaeology, fine arts and ethnography
- View over the Thouet valley
Permanent exhibition
- Collections permanentes du musée Henri Barré – Faience, fine arts, furniture, archaeology and ethnology across three levels in a collector’s house from 1862.
- Operated by
- Ville de Thouars
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Groups (5+ people) | €1 per personGroup visit by reservation, €1 per person (from 5 people). |
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Free admission for individual visitors.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 60 min |
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- Family tours & workshops
Program of activities for young and old from May to September (exhibitions, national events and other events).
Getting there & parking
The museum carries the “Accueil Vélo” label and is close to a signposted cycle route.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Shop; payment in cash or by check.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
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| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided visits and events by reservation at +33 6 22 66 43 45 or musee.accueil@thouars.fr. School groups book through the heritage department (+33 5 49 68 22 68, ecole.patrimoine@thouars.fr). Groups from 5 people are welcome. |
