Musée Maurice-Dufresne

About the museum

The museum opened to the public on October 24, 1992, in the former paper mill of Marnay, near Azay-le-Rideau, on an island in the Indre within an estate of more than six hectares. The mill was founded around 1820 as a paper mill, later converted into a fruit cannery, and closed in 1962.

Maurice Dufresne, born in 1930 into a farming family, trained as a farrier with the Compagnons du devoir. In 1958 he founded the Établissements Dufresne in Villeperdue, first to build trailers and around 1962 to recover metals. He wanted to save old machines that were about to be thrown away. In 1983 he bought the ruined mill and spent roughly nine years restoring it, including the water-powered machinery that runs during opening hours. He died in 2008; his daughter Monique continues his work.

The collection comprises about 3,000 items, mostly machines and vehicles from the 1850s to the 1950s, often unique in the world: a Blériot XI aircraft, a guillotine, tanks, a Morgan, a Benjamin motorcycle, an electric Peugeot, a Buick, armories and old posters. The museum is a family business.

Highlights

• Blériot XI aircraft
• More than 3,000 machines and vehicles from 1850 to 1950
• Marnay mill and water-powered machinery in operation
• Historic cars and motorcycles: Morgan, Buick, electric Peugeot
• Armories and old posters
• Estate of more than six hectares on an island in the Indre

Permanent exhibitions

• Collection de machines et de véhicules (1850-1950) – More than 3,000 items, including a Blériot XI aircraft, tanks, historic cars and motorcycles, weapons and posters.
• Moulin de Marnay – Restored former paper mill whose water-powered machinery runs during opening hours.

Founded

1992

Operated by

Entreprise familiale (famille Dufresne)

Admission & discounts

The prices shown are those of the 2026 season.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• 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

Reserved parking spaces in front of the reception and accessible toilets. Reduced rate for people with disabilities and an adapted group rate.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area

The museum presents itself as suitable for families and multigenerational visits. There is a children’s educational booklet, a playground near the restaurant, a bottle warmer and changing table, and creative workshops for children’s groups. Free admission for children under 10.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Restaurant and snack bar “Chez Jeannot” with a shaded terrace; group meals for up to 75 people. Souvenir shop and covered picnic area. Dogs accepted on a leash.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit