Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Musée Historique et Archéologique de l'Orléannais, located in Orléans in the Loiret department, was founded in 1823 by André Gaspard Parfait, Count of Bizemont-Prunlé, then deputy mayor. He opened his doors in 1825 in the Hôtel des Créneaux, before settling in 1862 in the Hotel Cabu, also called the house of Diane de Poitiers. This museum, labeled Musée de France, houses various collections, including Gallo-Roman statuettes, medieval objects and elements related to the history of Orleans, such as those evoking Jeanne d'Arc or the Loire Navy.

In June 1940, during World War II, much of the collections were destroyed in a fire caused by German bombings. The premises will only be restored in the 1960s, allowing the museum to reopen in 1966 after the return of the evacuees. Among his master pieces are the treasure of Neuvy-en-Sullias, discovered in 1861, as well as the capitals of the abbey of Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire and the Carolingian stuccos of Germigny-des-Prés.

The museum's collections cover a wide range of themes, ranging from national archaeology (Gallo-Roman, Medieval) to decorative arts (ceramic, goldsmith's, stained glass) and local history, especially that related to Joan of Arc. The hotel Cabu, a Renaissance building that houses it, is itself classified as a historical monument. The Orléan Archaeological and Historical Society played a key role in enriching the collections throughout the 19th century, thanks to donations, bequests and acquisitions.

Today, the museum is located at 22 Charles Sanglier Street in downtown Orléans. It showcases emblematic objects such as the Gallo-Roman bronzes of Neuvy-en-Sullias, medieval sculptures and archives related to regional history. His museum journey illustrates both the architectural evolution of the region and the major events that marked Orleans, such as his role during the Hundred Years' War.

External links