Nestled in the charming town of Roanne, the Musée des Beaux-Arts et d'Archéologie Joseph-Déchelette stands as a beacon of cultural and historical richness. This municipal museum, affectionately known as the Joseph-Déchelette Museum, offers visitors a captivating journey through time, showcasing an impressive array of art and archaeological treasures.
The story of the Joseph-Déchelette Museum begins with Fleury Mulsant, a passionate archaeologist from Roanne. Mulsant, who had amassed a significant collection of ancient artifacts discovered in the Roanne region, envisioned a museum to preserve and exhibit his findings. With the support of Mayor Gubian, the museum was inaugurated on November 8, 1844, in the Capuchin convent. Mulsant served as the museum's director until his death in 1850.
In 1874, the museum found a new home in the newly constructed town hall, where it occupied a gallery and four rooms. The museum's collection continued to grow, thanks to state contributions, donations, and acquisitions. Among the most notable donations was Dr. Noëlas's collection of faience pottery. However, as the collection expanded, the museum outgrew its space.
Joseph Déchelette, a prominent archaeologist, became the museum's curator in 1892. Déchelette's dedication to archaeology and his significant contributions to the field left an indelible mark on the museum. Tragically, Déchelette died in combat in 1914, but his legacy lived on through his bequest of his collections and extensive library to the museum.
After Déchelette's death, his widow donated their private mansion to the city of Roanne, and the museum was relocated to its current location on the mansion's first floor. The museum was inaugurated on June 3, 1923, in the presence of numerous dignitaries, paying tribute to Déchelette's enduring influence. Following Madame Déchelette's passing, the museum expanded to occupy the entire building, which was designated a historical monument on April 10, 1981.
Scavenger hunts in Roanne
Discover Roanne with the digital Scavenger Hunt from myCityHunt! Solve puzzles, master team tasks and explore Roanne with your team!
The Musée des Beaux-Arts et d'Archéologie Joseph-Déchelette boasts a diverse and extensive collection that spans various periods and cultures. The museum is divided into several sections, each offering a unique glimpse into the past.
The museum's archaeological collections are a testament to the rich history of the Roanne region. Visitors can explore artifacts from the protohistoric and ancient periods, providing insights into the area's early inhabitants. The Gaulish section features models depicting the oppidum of Crêt-Châtelard and everyday life in ancient Roanne. Notable pieces include zoomorphic pottery fragments and exquisite bronze statuettes of a horse and a wild boar, exemplifying Celtic art.
The museum also houses a fascinating exhibit on the Roanne necropolis, which was continuously occupied from the 2nd century BCE to the 3rd century CE. Visitors can observe reconstructed burial practices, including inhumations and cremations, along with the accompanying grave goods.
A dedicated room pays homage to Joseph Déchelette, showcasing his contributions to archaeology and the museum's development. This section highlights Déchelette's pioneering excavations and his role in establishing the museum's archaeological focus.
The Roman period is well-represented in the museum, with exhibits highlighting Roanne's significance as a secondary city in the Segusiavi territory. While Roanne lacked grand monuments, it was known for its exceptional painted bowls, known as Roanne bowls, produced during the first two centuries CE. The collection includes fine ceramics, terra nigra, and locally produced sigillata pottery, offering a glimpse into the culinary and dining practices of Gallo-Roman Roanne.
Additionally, the museum's displays shed light on various aspects of daily life in Roman Roanne, including craftsmanship, construction, writing, personal adornment, and religious practices. Artifacts related to bronze and ironworking, as well as possible glass production, provide a comprehensive view of the local economy and culture.
The museum's Egyptian collection owes its origins to Joseph Déchelette's travels to Egypt in 1893. During his trip, Déchelette acquired a substantial collection of Egyptian antiquities, including the sarcophagus and mummy of Nesyamon. This collection, comprising approximately 250 pieces, became a cornerstone of the museum's exhibits upon Déchelette's return to Roanne.
Over the years, the Egyptian collection has been enriched through donations, purchases, and deposits, making it the second-largest Egyptology collection in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, after the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon. The collection features a wide range of artifacts, including funerary items such as mummy masks, sarcophagi, ushabtis, and canopic jars. Additionally, visitors can explore objects related to daily life in ancient Egypt, such as kohl pots, mirrors, and hairpins.
While the Egyptian collection is currently not on display due to conservation concerns, plans for the museum's renovation and possible expansion may allow for its return to the exhibition halls in the future.
The museum's fine arts collection spans several centuries, showcasing French and European paintings from the 15th to the 20th century. Visitors can admire works by Italian and Spanish primitives, Barbizon and Lyonnais landscapists, Flemish and French painters, and Fauvist artists. The collection includes notable pieces by artists such as Nicolas de Largillierre and Jean Puy.
Sculpture enthusiasts will find medieval and 19th-century works, including pieces by local Roanne sculptors Lescornel and Picaud.
The decorative arts section is a highlight of the museum, featuring an extensive collection of ceramics from the 16th to the 21st century. The collection includes Italian majolica, Delft faience, and pieces from major French faience centers such as Lyon, Moustiers, Marseille, Strasbourg, and Rouen. Roanne's own faience production is prominently represented, with a significant collection of personalized plates bearing the names of their owners and their patron saints.
One of the museum's most remarkable collections is its revolutionary faience, comprising nearly 700 pieces. This collection, inaugurated by President François Mitterrand in 1989, is the most comprehensive and rare in France, offering a unique glimpse into the art and iconography of the French Revolution.
The museum also showcases ceramics from the 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting trends such as Japonism and Orientalism, with works by artists like Gallé, Bracquemond, and Deck. The collection includes Art Nouveau pieces from the Sèvres National Manufactory and ceramics from the interwar period by artists like Decoeur, Mayodon, and Buthaud. Contemporary ceramics are also featured, with works by living artists exhibited in biennial shows.
In conclusion, the Musée des Beaux-Arts et d'Archéologie Joseph-Déchelette is a treasure trove of art and history, offering visitors a captivating journey through time. From its rich archaeological collections to its fine and decorative arts, the museum provides a comprehensive and engaging experience for all who visit. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply curious about the past, the Joseph-Déchelette Museum is a must-visit destination in Roanne.
Get your Tickets now!
With myCityHunt you can discover thousands of cities around the world in exciting scavenger hunts, treasure hunts and escape games!
myCityHunt vouchers are the perfect gift for many occasions! Surprise your friends and family with this extraordinary event gift. myCityHunt gift vouchers are valid for 3 years from the date of purchase and can be used within this period for a freely selectable city and tour from the myCityHunt portfolio.