Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Musée International de la Chaussure de Romans was created in the 1950s by Marie-Madeleine Bouvier. Originally, he presented re-enactments of scenes from Dauphin's life. It was not until 1968, after the acquisition of the collection of the Parisian modelist Victor Guillen, that he became the "International Shoe Museum". This collection, rich of 20,000 specimens, covers the history of the shoe from antiquity to today and serves as a source of inspiration for contemporary creators.

In 1971, the museum settled in the former convent of the Visitation, a building built between the 17th and 19th centuries, surrounded by French gardens. The "shoe library" displays pieces from this thematic collection, through temporary exhibitions. The museum highlights the shoe as a witness to civilizations, with iconic 20th century models signed by André Perugia, Roger Vivier and Pfister.

A room is dedicated to local shoe companies, highlighting the territorial anchoring of this industry. The museum combines heritage conservation and contemporary creation, integrating paintings and staging that place objects in their historical and cultural context. The objective is to show that objects are better understood when presented in scenes of everyday life.

The Visitation Convent, which houses the museum, is itself a notable historical monument. Built between the 17th and 19th centuries, it combines religious architecture with French gardens, providing a prestigious setting for this unique collection. The museum benefits from the label "Musée de France" and is located at 28 Rue Bistour, in the Drôme department.

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