Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Museum of the Court of Gold, located in Metz, Lorraine, was founded in 1839 by the Royal Society of Science and Arts. Initially installed in a space of 200 m2 near the municipal library, it housed paintings from the city's collections. In 1840, under the direction of Auguste Hussenot, the first curator, the museum was enriched with Dutch portraits and the collection of Professor Jean-Augustin Naud. A natural history section, formed before 1839 by the Moselle Natural History Society, was incorporated in 1841, although not accessible to the public today.

The presentation of Gallo-Roman collections was developed through the Royal Academy of Metz and the Moselle Archaeology Society, notably during the annexation (1871-1918). In 1935, a new wing was built, revealing ancient baths preserved in situ. The museum experienced a major expansion in 1977, after the move of the municipal library to 3,500 m2. It then incorporated historical spaces such as the attic of Chèvremont (15th century) and the church of the Trinitaries, with an official reopening in 1981.

The years 2010 marked a complete renovation, leading in 2018 to a new entrance by the Baroque chapel of Petits-Carmes. The museum, managed by the metropolis of Metz, now comprises three entities: an archaeological museum (gallo-Roman and medieval), a museum of architecture (vesges in situ such as the Roman baths or the Gothic attic), and a museum of fine arts. His collections include works ranging from Antiquity to the 20th century, with major pieces such as Merten's column (Jupiter terrasing a monster) or paintings from the School of Metz.

The museum also plays a key role in preserving the Messin architectural heritage. In the 1960s and 1970s, faced with the modernization of the city centre and the destruction of historic districts (such as Saint-Ferroy), he saved elements such as painted ceilings, facades (house of the Heads) or entire buildings (hotel Le Gronnais). These rescues allow today to reconstruct medieval interiors and propose an immersive historical path, from Gallo-Roman thermal baths to the works of Delacroix or Soulages.

The iconic pieces include Gallo-Roman funeral steles, a 7th century Merovingian chancel (Saint Pierre-aux-Nonnais church), and works by Van Dyck, Corot and Gustave Moreau. The museum has enjoyed the label Musée de France since 2003 and is part of the Grands Sites de Moselle. Its museum trail highlights unique ensembles, such as the ancient thermal baths or the attic of Chèvremont, illustrating nearly two millennia of local history.

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