Timeline

Origin and history

The Musée d'art et de traditions populaires de Montendre is a municipal property located in the Tour Carrée of the Château de Montendre, Charente-Maritime. This museum, though modest, is distinguished by its ethnographic collections of the early twentieth century, reflecting the daily life and local traditions of Saintonge. The objects exhibited, such as costumes, furniture, tools and children's games, as well as reconstructed scenes, offer a valuable testimony of the rural and urban life of that time.

The Tour Carrée, which houses the museum, is an integral part of the feudal castle of Montendre, whose site was acquired by the municipality between 1950 and 1963. The interior layout of the tower was later made to accommodate the museum's collections. The latter also include old photographs, calendars and flags of the city, enriching the local documentary heritage.

The museum showcases everyday objects such as lamps, irons, cauldrons, strollers and an old camera, illustrating Saintonge's lifestyles and craftsmanship at the beginning of the 20th century. Children's clothing and traditional games, such as croquet, complement this dive into the past, offering both a playful and educational perspective on regional history.

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