First records of turning Fin XVIe siècle (≈ 1695)
Start manufacturing nailed balls.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Origin and history
The Musée des tourners sur bois d'Aiguines finds its roots in a traditional artisanal tradition attested by the end of the 16th century. The village was distinguished by the manufacture of "bulled balls", objects exported throughout France. This historic activity forged the local identity, linking the territory with a unique artisanal heritage, still alive today.
The museum, labeled Musée de France, embodies a bridge between the past and the present. It exhibits rare collections, testimonies of ancestral techniques, while highlighting the evolution of the profession: from utilitarian craft to contemporary artistic production. The institution thus highlights the transformation of objects, their functions and their destinations, reflecting the adaptation of turners to modern demands.
Beyond preservation, the museum plays an active role in valuing this know-how. It illustrates how a locally recognized heritage has gained an international dimension, thanks to the creativity of artisans who have become artists. The history of this transition, between tradition and innovation, is the heart of its educational and cultural mission.