Opening of the museum 25 novembre 1961 (≈ 1961)
Opening on the first floor of the Town Hall.
2011
Exhibition *Richelieu in Richelieu*
Exhibition *Richelieu in Richelieu* 2011 (≈ 2011)
New scenography and presentation of collections.
2018
Adding a historical model
Adding a historical model 2018 (≈ 2018)
Representation of the castle and the city.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Key figures
Cardinal de Richelieu - Collector and patron
Owner of exhibited works, former castle.
Origin and history
The municipal museum of Assay, although mentioned as located in Assay, is actually located in Richelieu (Indre-et-Loire), in the former Town Hall, a 17th century building. It was inaugurated on November 25, 1961 and exhibits a part of the Cardinal de Richelieu's art collections, formerly preserved in his castle of Touraine, today disappeared. Among the major pieces are six authentic paintings from the large battle gallery, as well as items from bequests or purchases by collectors and friends of the museum.
In 2011, the Richelieu exhibition in Richelieu, of national interest, allowed to rethink the scenography to highlight these historical works. Since 2018, an impressive model of the castle and the city in the 17th century has been on display, offering a detailed representation of the urban design desired by the Cardinal. This museum, labeled Musée de France, is part of an architectural ensemble including the former Palais de Justice and a private hotel linked to local history.
The collections cover various fields: fine arts (paintings, sculptures, prints), decorative arts (furniture, textiles), and archives (mouldings, sigillography). The museum highlights the role of the Cardinal, emblematic figure of the History of France, while preserving the memory of his castle, a symbol of his power and artistic patronage in Touraine.
