Beginning of the railway age 1869 (≈ 1869)
Hirson becomes a north-east railway node.
1870-1914
Focus on the Belle Époque
Focus on the Belle Époque 1870-1914 (≈ 1892)
Flagship of local exhibitions.
1932-1968
First donation period
First donation period 1932-1968 (≈ 1950)
Initial constitution of collections.
1983
Museum renovation
Museum renovation 1983 (≈ 1983)
Resumption of donations until 1998.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Key figures
Auguste Labouret - Local Artist
Author of works exhibited at the museum.
Origin and history
The Museum - documentation center Alfred Desmasures is located in Hirson (Aisne), in an 18th century house built on the site of an ancient feudal castle, in the heart of Notre Dame Island, between the Oise and the Gland. This historic building, classified as the Musée de France, houses various collections, reflecting both art, ethnology and regional history. Its strategic location, linked to the former fortress, and its architecture make it an emblematic place of local memory.
The museum's collections were created by donations made between 1932 and 1968, and then from 1983 (date of its renovation) to 1998. They cover areas as diverse as the decorative arts (glass, glassware, mosaics), fine arts (painting, sculpture), military collections (arms, uniforms, armor of wars 14-18 and 39-45), as well as paper and sound archives. An important place is given to ethnology (movement, trades, tools) and local history, with a focus on the period from prehistory to today.
The museum particularly highlights the history of Hirson from 1870, including the Belle Époque and the key role of the railway in the development of the city. In 1869, Hirson became a major railway junction between North and East France, a prosperity illustrated by three rooms dedicated to the "Beautiful Adventure of Rail" (1869-1969). The exhibitions also evoke the impact of the two world wars on the region, as well as life in the forest-border, deeply marking the collective memory.
Notable works include works by Auguste Labouret, an artist linked to local history. The museum is distinguished by its territorial anchor, offering a complete panorama of the social, economic and cultural life of the Thiérache, from its origins to the 20th century. Its label Musée de France highlights the richness of its collections and its role in the preservation of regional heritage.
Although the official address is listed at the Impasse du Château, GPS coordinates place the museum at 53 Rue Charles de Gaulle, reflecting a sometimes ambiguous location. Map accuracy is considered "passable" (note 5/10), which may make it difficult for visitors to locate. Despite this, the museum remains a reference for railway and local history, attracting enthusiasts of industrial and memorial heritage.
