Construction of building XVIIe siècle (≈ 1750)
Integration at Place Ducale.
14 août 1944
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 14 août 1944 (≈ 1944)
Protection of buildings (by-law).
28 avril 1980
Supplementary registration
Supplementary registration 28 avril 1980 (≈ 1980)
Fronts and interior decorations protected.
20 octobre 1994
Opening of the renovated museum
Opening of the renovated museum 20 octobre 1994 (≈ 1994)
Modern extension added.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Buildings (Box XA 254, 255): classification by order of 14 August 1944; Façades and roofs of buildings bordering the east, west and south sides of the inner courtyard as well as the north side of the courtyard garden; the six rooms with decoration on the first floor of the building bordering the north side of the courtyard garden (Box XA 248 to 255): inscription by order of 28 April 1980
Key figures
Clément Métezeau - Owner
Architect of the building.
François Peiffer, Bruno Freycenon, Franck Plays, Christian Vanelle - Modern architects
Renovation and extension (1994).
Marquis de Lafayette - Historical figure
Exported arms from Charleville.
Origin and history
The building of Charleville-Mézières, built in the 17th century, is part of the architectural complex of Place Ducale. It now houses the Museum of the Ardenne, a municipal institution classified as a historical monument in 1944 and registered in 1980. The building, organized around an inner courtyard and a garden, connects Ducale Place to Winston-Churchill Square. A modern renovation, led by architects François Peiffer, Bruno Freycenon, Franck Plays and Christian Vanelle, added a glass and steel extension, inaugurated in 1994.
The museum presents various collections, ranging from archaeology (jewels, weapons, tank graves of Bourcq and Semide) to the industrial history of Ardennes. A Gallo-Roman fresco of 6x8 meters, discovered in Montcy-Saint-Pierre, is highlighted by a video mapping. The rooms also house weapons from the Charleville factory, including the 1777 model exported to the American insurgents, as well as an 18th-century apothecary with its 120 pots in faience.
The puppet arts occupy a central place, with permanent and temporary exhibitions linked to the World Puppet Theatre Festival. The museum also preserves works by Ardennes artists (paintings by Jean-Baptiste Couvelet, sculptures by Aristide Croisy) and coins from local principalities. Temporary exhibitions, such as those dedicated to World War I or Corinne Deville's raw art, complement the cultural offer.
The building, designed by Clément Métezeau, illustrates the architectural and historical heritage of Charleville-Mézières. Its protection as historical monuments underlines its heritage importance, while its collections reflect the cross-border identity of the Ardenne, between archaeology, industry and popular traditions.
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