Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Musée d'art sacré de la Meuse was founded in 1906 by the City and Mr. Bernard, originally installed in the Municipal Library. The aim of the project was to preserve religious objects scattered in rural churches, while respecting their cultural use and the property of the communes. The museum was looted during the two world wars, but was reconstructed thanks to saved pieces and new acquisitions from archaeological sites.

Since the 1990s, the museum has strengthened its mission of protecting the sacred heritage by signing agreements with the Meusian municipalities, which remain owners of the 30% of objects in storage. The remaining 70% comes from donations or purchases from the Meuse Department. The collection, rich in 2,000 works, covers a period from the 12th to the 19th century, with major pieces such as the double cross of Souilly (XII century) or an episcopal cross in vermeil (XVIII century).

The museum showcases goldsmith's and statuary, including remarkable works such as a 14th century virgin child or a holy Martha from the school of Ligier Richier. A sober and transparent museography reveals the splendour of these objects, while a room is dedicated to the iconography of the Saint-Mihiel archangel and the history of the Benedictine Abbey. The old library, decorated in the taste of the eighteenth century, completes the visit.

Labeled Museum of France, this property is located in the southern wing of the former Abbey of Saint-Mihiel, an associated historical monument. Its official address, 1 rue du Palais de Justice, makes it a central place for the discovery of the religious and artistic heritage of the Meuse.

External links