Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

Saumur's castle museum was founded in 1829, when a municipal museum focused on archaeology and zoology was created. Originally installed at the town hall, he was transferred in 1912 to the restored castle, thanks to the mayor's initiative. That same year, the Friends of the Horse Museum company installed its collections on the second floor.

In 1919, the museum benefited from Charles Lair's exceptional legacy, enriching its holdings with 1,400 ceramics, 7,032 ex-libris, 350 art objects, and many more. These donations, supplemented by other bequests, brought the collections to more than 30,000 items today. In 1957, the Equestrian Collection of Friends of the Horse Museum was transferred to the city.

The museum is distinguished by its eclectic collections, covering archaeology, fine arts, decorative arts, ethnology and natural sciences. Its strengths include one of the most beautiful collections of earthenware in France, tapestries from the 15th to 15th centuries classified as historical monuments, and a unique set of equestrian harnacments from the five continents.

The castle, built in the 14th century, serves as a setting for these treasures. Its buildings complement a heritage complex marked by local history and the donations of personalities engaged in heritage preservation.

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