Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Musée de la Marine de Loire came into being in 1960 with temporary exhibitions on Ligerian navigation organized by local associations. These initiatives culminated in a permanent exhibition in 1962, gradually transformed into a municipal museum. The Association of Friends of the Museum, established in 1963, supports its development, while the collections are enriched by donations from descendants of mariners and public institutions. The museum initially moved to the basement of the town hall, before moving to the former stables of the castle in 1998, after a renovation respecting their original structure (late 17th century).

The museum's collections cover three main themes: shipbuilding techniques (ground floor), the Ligerian trade routes (mezzanine), and the daily life of the sailors (first floor). A graphic background of 75 lavis by Jean-Jacques Delusse illustrates this story, supplemented by ethnological objects (tools, furniture, ex-voto) and works of art (paintings, faiences by Nevers). The museum also evokes the local heritage, such as the metallurgical industry of Châteauneuf ( suspension bridges, ferry bridge) and artistic figures related to the Loire, including Maurice Genevoix, Odilon Redon and Camille Roche.

Ranked as a historical monument since 1927 for its stables (inspired from Versailles), the museum has enjoyed the label "Musée de France" since 2002. It is located in the Loire Valley, UNESCO site, on the site of the old port of Châteauneuf, active in the eighteenth century. In 2012, it welcomed 13,038 visitors, ranking 5th Musée du Loiret. Its assets include a documentation centre (since 1985), an auditorium, and rare pieces such as a concrete hull moulding or models of traditional boats (drums, gabars).

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