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Origin and history

The Jean-Cousin Museum is a 16th-century wooden house, located at 3 rue Jossey in Sens, in the department of Yonne. Although it bears the name of Renaissance painter and sculptor Jean Cousin, he never lived there. The house belonged to one of the owners of the famous Eva prima Pandora painting, now exhibited at the Louvre. This historical connection with the artist, although indirect, marked his identity.

From 1873 to 1902, the building housed the offices of the Caisse d'Epargne de Sens, as evidenced by the inscription engraved on a beam: "Saving Bank founded in MDCCCXXXIV". The town of Sens became its owner at the end of the 20th century, transforming the premises into a municipal cultural space. The turret of the house, a remarkable architectural element, was inscribed in the historical monuments by order of 27 July 1970.

The architecture of the museum is distinguished by its carved facade overlooking Jean-Cousin Street, as well as by an interior staircase visible from Jossey Street. The courtyard and wooden details, typical of Renaissance buildings, make it an example of the local heritage. Today, the museum serves as an exhibition venue for the collections of the Museums of Sens and hosts events organized by the cultural service of the city.

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