Construction of the castle XVIe siècle (≈ 1650)
Castle linked to the museum, built for Antoine de Rochechouart.
1992
Initial acquisition
Initial acquisition 1992 (≈ 1992)
250 traditional sandstones acquired by the city.
2001
Acquired Carries Collection
Acquired Carries Collection 2001 (≈ 2001)
Purchase through FRAM of major works.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Key figures
Jean Carriès - Ceramic artist
Founder of the artistic school represented.
Antoine de Rochechouart - Commander of the castle
Owner of the castle associated with the museum.
Albert Vallet - Contemporary Artist
Work exhibited in a dedicated room.
Origin and history
The Musée du Grès de Saint-Amand-en-Puisaye was founded in 1992 when 250 pieces of traditional sandstone were acquired, enriching municipal collections. These first acquisitions were supplemented by subsequent purchases and donations, consolidating a fund dedicated to local ceramic art. The museum's vocation was confirmed with the integration of works related to the school of Jean Carriès, a major artistic current for the region.
In 2001, the museum received an exceptional contribution thanks to the Regional Acquisition Fund for Museums (FRAM), enabling the acquisition of a significant collection of sandstone from the School of Carriès. This collection, combined with the pieces preserved at the CNIFOP (Centre national de formation à la potterie, based in Saint-Amand), as well as contemporary works such as those of Albert Vallet, made the museum a reference place for ceramics. The site is also linked to the local castle, built in the 16th century for Antoine de Rochechouart, adding an architectural heritage dimension to its cultural anchor.
Labeled Musée de France, the establishment showcases historical know-how while offering a panorama of contemporary creations. Its address, in the heart of Saint-Amand-en-Puisaye (Nièvre), and its approximate location on the Grande Rue make it a central point for the discovery of Burgundian ceramic heritage. However, the map accuracy of the site remains limited, with a score of 5/10 depending on available sources.