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Origin and history

The building on 52 rue Saint-Pierre in Caen, built at the beginning of the 16th century, is a remarkable example of wood-paned architecture of the Norman Renaissance. The plot was acquired by the bookseller Jean du Mont in the early 1500s, but the house was probably built in 1512, the year it became alderman. The dating by dendrochronology during the restorations of 2017-2018 confirms that the oak used for its construction dates from 1513. The corbellation, characteristic of the facade, was banned in Normandy in 1524, making it a rare testimony of architectural practices of the time.

The property passes into the hands of Pierre du Mont, son of John, who inherits it with the charge of receiver of the common money. In the 18th century, the house was reunited after being divided among the heirs. The facade underwent modifications in the 19th century, with a lowering of the windows and the partial disappearance of the shingles, before being restored after the Second World War. Ranked in 1862, it was downgraded in 1888, registered in 1927 and finally ranked in 1946.

The architecture of the facade combines torchis, brick and stone of Caen, with a carved decoration combining religious and ancient motifs. The swords have friezes of fantastic creatures and rinceaux, while medallions adorn the poles. A Virgin crowned by two angels dominates the second floor. The 17th century sales contracts reveal a typical organisation of bourgeois houses of the time: a shop on the ground floor, a driveway leading to a rear storey, and a staircase in turn serving the rooms of the upper floors.

Acquired by the State in 1984, the building houses from 1986 to 2009 the Museum of Post and Telecommunications, under the impetus of Louis Mexandeau. The successive restorations, notably in 1977 and 2017-2018, have enabled us to find the original colours, such as the red of the sculptures, and to preserve this emblematic heritage of the historic centre of Caen.

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