Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Museum of the Arts of Africa and Asia was born in 1923 within the Association of the House of the Missionary, founded by Father Henri Watthé. This initiative was aimed at welcoming the missionaries in care in Vichy while preserving the objects they brought back from Africa and Asia, supplemented by donations from individuals. The association, managed by a council of ten lay members volunteers, obtained recognition of public utility in 1928, anchoring its cultural and social role.

Between 2000 and 2002, the museum underwent major rehabilitation: inventory of works, design of a new museum project, and transfer of collections to its current location. The site reopened in 2002, highlighting rare pieces such as Chinese sapices dating from 720 BC, African masks, or Asian export porcelain. The building itself, built in 1886 by architect Vianne as a hydrotherapy facility, adds a heritage dimension to the project.

The collections cover two continents: Asia (China, Burma, Thailand...) with objects related to Buddhism, Mandarin life, or art exported to Europe; and Africa (Benin, Congo, Mali...) illustrating daily life, symbols of power, and local spirituality. A contemporary space and photographic projections of early 20th century China complete the journey. The museum benefits from the label "Musée de France" and remains administered by volunteers, perpetuating its original vocation.

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