Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Nicolas-Poussin Museum is housed in an old 18th-century bourgeois residence, offered in 1971 in the commune of Andelys by Dr Giraud, former chief physician of the Saint-Jacques Hospital. This museum labeled "Museum of France" pays tribute to Nicolas Poussin, a 17th century French painter born in the region, and houses various collections linked to local and national history: archaeology, religious art, historical furniture and industrial works.

The permanent collections include archaeological objects of prehistoric Normandy, Gallo-Roman and medieval, as well as paintings, including an iconic painting by Nicolas Poussin, Coriolan begged by his family (1652). This painting, seized in 1794 and transferred to the Andelys in 1803-1804, survived several disasters, including the burning of the courthouse in 1860 and the bombings of 1944. The museum also exhibits 18th-century furniture, 17th and 18th-century religious objects, and industrial glassware from the 1930s-1940s.

Founded by Léon Coutil, a child of the country, the museum also preserves Gallo-Roman remains, such as a mosaic of the third century discovered in 1977, as well as objects from the excavations of the Château-Gaillard. The collections reflect local history, from prehistory to contemporary times, with works by the Rouen School and Norman painters. A room is entirely dedicated to Nicolas Poussin, presenting his major painting and documents about his life.

The museum showcases elements of the industrial heritage, such as Holophane glassware and harmonies of the Andelysian company Dumont and Lelièvre. It thus illustrates the links between art, history and industry in the region, while preserving religious objects from the Saint-Jacques Hospice and the local collegiate. Its role is both cultural, educational and memorial for the city of Andelys.

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