Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Musée des Arts et Traditions Populaires Mathon-Durand, originally created in 1823 by Jean-Baptiste Mathon, finds its origins in a desire to preserve the local heritage. Originally located on the second floor of the Town Hall of Neufchâtel-en-Bray, it was destroyed on 7 June 1940 by German bombardments, resulting in the loss of almost all its collections. André Durand, then curator, saved a tiny part of the remains and undertook to reconstruct the funds thanks to objects recovered from the rubble and successive donations.

Since 1959, the museum has been housed in a 16th-century bourgeois house, typical with its wooden panels and corbellation. André Durand brings together a multidisciplinary collection: ethnology, archaeology, domestic life, crafts, and military objects, reflecting the customs and customs of the Pays de Bray. The collections include rare pieces such as a 12th-century illuminated Bible, fireplaces, cannons of 1792, and objects related to lost trades, such as those of the toothblower.

The museum is distinguished by its reconstitution of a traditional brayon interior, a vaulted cellar dedicated to AOP Neufchâtel cheese, and an animated model of the fortified city. The themes covered include agriculture, crafts, religious practices, and local festivals, providing a comprehensive overview of the daily life of the 19th and 20th centuries. The continuous donations since the 1960s still enrich this heritage, making it a valuable witness to regional history.

Ranked Musée de France, the establishment showcases missing know-how and everyday objects, such as pottery by Martincamp or pavement tiles by Brémontier Massy. Its documentary collection, composed of archives and a specialized library, complements this immersion in the past, while stressing the importance of transmitting local traditions.

The architectural interest of the building, with its original structure and four-level spaces, reinforces the visitor experience. The museum thus combines built heritage and museum collections to offer an authentic dive into the social and cultural history of the Country of Bray.

Collection

Il abrite des collections riches et variées de provenance régionale : numismatique, archéologie, Art militaire, céramique, ethnologie, Art sacré, costumes...

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