Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The MUDO – Oise Museum occupies the former Episcopal Palace of Beauvais, built in the 12th century on the Gallo-Roman ramparts of the city. In 1305, after a repressed riot, the king of France condemned the bourgeois to compensate Bishop Simon de Nesle, who then financed a fortified castle with two twin towers. Inside, a 14th century doorway preserves mermaid sculptures and medieval paving. The graffiti of the north tower testify to its use as a prison, while the south tower housed reserves.

In the early 16th century, Bishop Louis de Villiers of L'Isle-Adam rebuilt the building in Renaissance style, while preserving Gothic elements. It adds windows despite the opposition of the city, as well as a staircase turret with pepper and campanile, giving the palace its present appearance (excluding 19th century restorations). Under the Empire (1811), the building became prefecture and was returned to the bishop in 1823 before welcoming the courthouse in 1848.

During the Second World War, the departmental museum – then located near the cathedral – was bombarded. The surviving works are stored in the attic of the Episcopal Palace. In 1973, after the removal of the court, the department launched a major restoration (architect Jean-Pierre Paquet), leading to the opening of the museum in 1981. Closed in 1997 for structural problems, it reopens in 2015 with a route dedicated to the 19th century, supplemented by collections of ancient painting, ceramics, and modern art (Dufy, Picabia, Lempicka). The museum also organizes temporary exhibitions and preserves collections of artists such as Maurice Boudot-Lamotte and Jean Lambert-Rucki.

Ranked a historic monument since 1862, the palace illustrates the architectural and political evolution of Beauvais, from Gallo-Roman ramparts to its present role as a departmental museum. Its walls bear traces of its successive uses: episcopal residence, prison, court, and finally cultural place. The restorations preserved its medieval and Renaissance elements, while adapting spaces to contemporary museum norms.

The museum's collection covers a wide spectrum, from the French Renaissance (Antoine Caron) to Art Deco (Tamara de Lempicka), including major 19th-century works (Corot, Sisley, Vuillard). A staircase decorated by Maurice Denis (L The Boudot-Lamotte fonds, given in 1979, and the works of Jean Lambert-Rucki (donation of 1997) further enrich this ensemble.

External links