Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

In 1901 Julien Salles, Mayor of Flers, acquired the castle of Flers for the city and transferred the town hall and the municipal museum, replacing a modest existing cantonal museum. Through its commitment, a budget is allocated to renovate the premises, maintain the buildings and enrich the collections. Upon his death, Salles bequeathed to the city his prestigious collection of 19th-century paintings, allowing the museum to expand up to 4,000 objects, including 300 paintings. The castle, formerly owned by the Counts of Flers, thus becomes a major cultural hub, combining art, local history and Norman industrial heritage.

The museum presents works from the 17th to the 20th century, 18th to 19th century furniture, as well as unique pieces such as ceramics by Jean Cocteau or bronzes by Aristide Rousaud. A section is dedicated to local history, with a traditional Norman cuisine reconstituted and the evocations of textile, forging and ironing activities of the flerian bocage. Since 2019, the museum has been labeled "Joyful Museum" through the Môm的Art Charter, highlighting its commitment to welcoming families. It also offers a digital museum (Micro-Folies) giving access to 1,000 virtual masterpieces.

The castle, composed of two square wings, combines a 16th century wing with bell roofs and a classic 18th century facade with monumental perron. Former property of the Counts of Flers, then of the families of Redern and Schnetz, it is now surrounded by a wooded park housing a bird reserve. The moat and ponds attract fishermen and walkers, while the site combines heritage, nature and culture. The museum also preserves works by local engraver Jean Chaudeurge, strengthening its territorial anchor.

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