Musée Rimbaud

About the museum

The museum is housed in a former mill built from 1626 on the banks of the Meuse, at the request of Charles de Gonzague. A fire ravaged the interior in 1754. Sold as national property during the Revolution, the building was in use until 1887; the town bought it in 1893 and restored it. Its façades and roofs have been listed as historic monuments since 1981.

The collections go back to a bequest of a few objects in 1927. A turning point came in 1954, when the bookseller and collector Henri Matarasso gave his collection devoted to Rimbaud. The museum first occupied the second floor of the mill from 1969, then the entire building from 1991. A complete renovation in 2014–2015 brought the site up to current standards and renewed the presentation, notably with the installation “Cadran” by Claude Lévêque in the main staircase.

The route traces the life and work of the poet, born in Charleville, through more than 2,000 items: autograph manuscripts, photographs taken by Rimbaud, artists’ books, and works by 20th-century artists inspired by his poetry.

Highlights

• Autograph manuscripts, including “Voyelles” and “À la musique”
• Photographs taken by Rimbaud: self-portraits and scenes from his life in Africa
• Works inspired by Rimbaud by Picasso, Léger, Giacometti, Cocteau or Max Ernst
• Artists’ books illustrating his poetry
• Installation “Cadran” by Claude Lévêque on the staircase

Permanent exhibition

• Collection permanente Arthur Rimbaud – Manuscripts, photographs by Rimbaud, artists’ books and works by artists inspired by the poet.

Operated by

Ville de Charleville-Mézières

Visitors per year

approx. 20,046 (2019)

Admission & discounts

Free admission: First Sunday of every month

A ticket for one museum also gives access to the Musée Arthur Rimbaud and the Maison des Ailleurs. Free with proof: under-26s, job seekers, teachers, holders of a press card, museum professionals and tour guides. An annual pass (€8 for one museum, €12 for all three) is reserved for residents of Charleville-Mézières. Payment by card, cash, cheque and Chèques-Vacances.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• 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 and the Maison des Ailleurs are fully accessible to people with reduced mobility.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Kids’ birthday parties

Workshops for children and families during school holidays, for example the “Fabrique ta BD” workshop from age 8 (€6 per person, free for the accompanying adult), by reservation. Birthday parties are possible in the museums.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

Shaded garden.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The museums of Charleville-Mézières can be hired or booked for private use on request for a quote; contact +33 3 24 32 40 47.

Plan your visit