Musée Thomas Henry
Fine arts museum in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin with about 300 European paintings and sculptures from the 15th to the 20th century and an important Millet collection.
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About the museum
The museum was born in 1835 from the wish of Thomas Henry (1766–1836), an art dealer and patron. With no heirs, at the age of 65 he decided to give a large part of his personal collection to his native town, on condition that Cherbourg create a museum to show it to the public. The works had been chosen with an educational aim: the donor wanted to contribute to the education of local people.
The museum holds the “Musée de France” label and, given the historical interest of its collections, presents itself as the third fine arts museum in Normandy. It is now housed in the Le Quasar cultural centre on the Esplanade de la Laïcité.
The collections bring together about 300 paintings and sculptures from the 15th to the 20th century, with works by Fra Angelico, Filippo Lippi, Jordaens, Chardin, Poussin, David and Signac. The museum also holds a remarkable group of works by Jean-François Millet, the second largest in France after that of the Musée d’Orsay.
Highlights
- About 300 paintings and sculptures from the 15th to the 20th century
- Millet holdings, the second largest in France
- Works by Fra Angelico, Lippi, Jordaens, Chardin, Poussin, David and Signac
- Visits for toddlers (“Arty babies”) and children’s workshops
- Quiet hours marked for a more relaxed visit
Permanent exhibition
- Collections permanentes – About 300 paintings and sculptures from the 15th to the 20th century, with a significant holding of Jean-François Millet.
- Founded
- 1835
- Operated by
- Ville de Cherbourg-en-Cotentin
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €4Groups of 10 people or more, holders of the Pass’Avantages Manche, visitors from Port Chantereyne with the coupon from the Guide de l’escale |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 25 · Free for under-26s on presentation of proof. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Free for people with disabilities and their companion, with proof. |
| Students & apprentices | freeFree for students on presentation of proof. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €4 per personReduced rate from 10 people. Accompanied school groups enter free. |
| Pass Musées Cherbourg-en-Cotentin (one year) | €10Unlimited visits for one year to the Musée Thomas Henry and the Musée de la Libération. |
| Activity for all visitors (guided tour, museum café) | €7Per adult; free for under-26s and other audiences, with proof. |
| Activity for children aged 2 to 11 | €3Per child; up to two accompanying adults free. |
| Flat fee for a group tour with a museum guide | €70Group flat fee excluding admission, which is payable in addition. |
| Flat fee for a group visit with an external guide | €40Group flat fee excluding admission, which is payable in addition. |
Free admission: Every Wednesday
Admission is free for everyone on Wednesdays. It is also free, with proof, for under-26s, students, people on low incomes or job seekers, people with disabilities and their companion, holders of the Pass Musées, members of the Société des Amis des Musées et des Monuments de Cherbourg et du Cotentin, holders of the Muséopass or an ICOM or ICOMOS card, and culture, education and communication professionals.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 25 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
The museum is a member of the Môm’Art association. It offers workshops for children aged 4 to 7 and 8 to 11, as well as “Arty babies”, a 30-minute multisensory visit for children aged 2 to 4, one Sunday morning a month. Children pay €3; accompanying adults are free.
Getting there & parking
The museum is in the Le Quasar cultural centre, Esplanade de la Laïcité, in Cherbourg-Octeville.
Get directionsAmenities & 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
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours of about one hour take place on fixed dates, by reservation (02 33 23 39 33 or musees@cherbourg.fr). Group visits are possible in French or English, with bookings up to 15 days in advance. An education department welcomes school groups. |
