Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The "Écomusée de la Bintinais", located in Rennes, Brittany, is located in the former farm of the Bintinais, one of the largest and most prosperous farms in the Rennes country, attested for nearly seven centuries. This site reflects the evolution of links between the city and its countryside, while illustrating local rural life. The farm, whose name dates back to the Middle Ages, has been transformed into a museum to preserve this unique agricultural and architectural heritage.

Designed in the 1980s, the ecomuseum opened its doors to the public on 23 May 1987, initially as an antenna of the Musée de Bretagne, with which it shared collections and services. It became autonomous in 2006, while maintaining a close partnership. The museum trail, installed in the main building over 1,200 m2, traces five centuries of local history, from the 12th century to the present, through various themes: architecture, agriculture, daily life, and city-country relations. Objects, machines, furniture and multimedia media (audiovisual, interactive games) make this story accessible to all.

The ecomuseum plays a key role in the conservation of the regional genetic heritage. Since 1994, it has preserved 19 endangered local domestic animal breeds, such as the Blue of Maine (ovine) or the Flèche (volaille), and cultivated ancient plant varieties, including 120 types of cider apples in three conservation orchards. An educational path of 19 hectares allows you to discover the evolution of agricultural practices, from traditional crops (lin, hemp) to modern plants (maize, rapeseed).

The temporary exhibitions, renewed annually for an average of 9 months, explore various heritage themes, set by professionals. Animations (beekeeping, sheep mowing, cider making) complete the offer, strengthening the living and educational character of the place. Labeled Musée de France, the ecomuseum combines research, conservation and mediation to highlight a local and universal heritage.

The history of the site is also that of its transition from an active farm to a museum space. For several years, a team of researchers has accompanied this metamorphosis, ensuring that the soul of the places and their memory are preserved. Today, the ecomuseum remains a living testimony to the agricultural and social changes in the country of Rennes, while imposing itself as a major player in the preservation of regional biodiversity.

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