Musée Jules-Desbois

About the museum

Jules Desbois, born in 1851 in Parçay-les-Pins, became a recognised sculptor from the 1890s onwards; he was a friend and collaborator of Auguste Rodin. In 1979, the sculptor Raymond Huard bought the artist’s birthplace and brought enthusiasts together in the Association des amis de Jules Desbois. In 1997, the municipality acquired a former hardware shop opposite that house and took up the association’s project to set up a museum there.

The municipal museum has been open since 2001 in a former 19th-century post house (relais de poste). Across 400 m², it presents a route through seven rooms on three major themes of the artist: decorative arts, the movement of the body and realism. More than a hundred works, sculptures and decorative art objects are on display.

The museum pursues an acquisitions policy, with more than thirty works entering the collections since 2001, including the bronze Salomé (2015). It is run by the Direction associée des musées municipaux, which also manages two other museums in Anjou, and offers tactile display units, room guides and a programme for schools.

Highlights

• Around a hundred works by the sculptor Jules Desbois, friend and collaborator of Rodin
• Route through seven rooms on three themes: decorative arts, movement, realism
• Three tactile display units for discovering sculpture in a different way
• Housed in a former 19th-century post house
• Joint ticket possible with the other “3 musées insolites en Anjou”

Permanent exhibition

• Parcours permanent Jules Desbois – Seven rooms covering 400 m² with sculptures, portraits and decorative art objects on the themes of decorative arts, movement and realism in the work of Jules Desbois.

Founded

2001

Operated by

Direction associée des musées municipaux (DAMM)

Admission & discounts

The ticket gives access to the museum and the current exhibition. Admission is also free for teachers and museum professionals (ICOM card).

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Access via a gently sloping ramp with handrail. The first floor is fully accessible (reception, permanent display, temporary exhibition, toilets); the second floor (temporary exhibition and workshop) can only be reached by a two-flight staircase. One accessible toilet. Three tactile display units along the route. Benches at reception and in two of the five rooms; walking sticks with a seat are available on request.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

During school holidays, games and activities are offered every day, along with activity booklets, puzzles and memory games from the three museums. Family activities with a mediator or artist take place on Wednesdays at 10:00 during the spring, summer and autumn holidays.

Getting there & parking

Saumur railway station is 30 km away. The museum is close to the GR 36 hiking trail. By car, allow 25 minutes from exit 3 of the A85 (towards Vernantes via the D767, then Vernoil).

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