Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Cognac was founded on 15 December 1890 by Émile Pellisson, who became its first curator. As early as 1892, he deposited his personal collection and put in place an active acquisition policy. The donations of artists, notably through the Society of Friends of the Arts, as well as various bequests gradually enrich the funds, covering various fields such as archaeology, fine arts or natural sciences.

In 1925, the collections moved to the present building of the Museum of Art and History, a former 19th century mansion with remarkable architectural elements (central forebody, balustrade balcony, pediment). The objects related to the manufacture of cognac, gathered since 1955, have been presented since 2004 in a dedicated space, the museum of cognac know-how. The site also preserves medieval remains, such as a Lusignan tower and 14th century ramparts.

The museum is labeled Musée de France and is distinguished by its eclectic collections: regional archaeology, paintings from Flemish and Dutch schools (XVIth–XVIIIth centuries), Art Nouveau decorative arts, and technical archives on cognac. Its building, former hotel Perrin de Boussac (XVIth-17th century), as well as former wine cellars, testify to the industrial and patriotic history of Cognac.

External links