Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The audience museum is located at 7 Grande-Rue, in a 17th century house that served as a court audience. Acquired in 1973 by the Association of Friends of Sainte-Suzanne, it is given to the commune in 2011. Since 2016, it has been managed by the municipality of Sainte-Suzanne-et-Chammes. The building, at the corner of the Grand'Rue and rue Jean-de-Bueil, houses nine rooms spread over three levels.

The museum presents a permanent exhibition covering more than 3,000 years of local history, from the Celtic period to the industrial era. Among the flagship pieces are vitrified stones, a 15th century armor (the oldest preserved in France), medieval weapons, and reconstructions of historical scenes such as the siege of 1083-1086 by William the Conqueror. Various themes are discussed: the Hundred Years War, the Revolution, Chouannery, quarries, forges and mills.

Temporary exhibitions marked its history, such as "Chevaliers et Samurai" (2009), "Les Vikings" (2012), or "Coëvrons 1914" (2014). Since 2018, the exhibition "Sainte-Suzanne, 3000 years of history" has been renewed on three floors. The museum also offers educational workshops for schools, focusing on the history of the local fortress.

The museum has a rich documentary collection, including local archives, old tools of trades (forgeron, miller, sabotier) and a specialized library. He published historical works, such as "Saint-Suzanne, medieval city" (Gérard Morteveille, 1999) or "L'Occupation et la libération à Sainte-Suzanne" (2004). These resources, classified at City Hall, come from public and private donations.

Open from May to September to individuals (Wednesday to Sunday) and all year to groups by reservation, the museum organizes guided tours in summer. Its role extends to the preservation of the region's tangible and intangible heritage, in connection with the medieval city and the territory of Erve and Charnie.

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