Reconstruction of the mansion vers 1750 (≈ 1750)
Current building built on old foundations.
1983
Acquisition of the Monneron collection
Acquisition of the Monneron collection 1983 (≈ 1983)
Dordogne Department buys the collection.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Key figures
Marie-Camille de Monneron - Collector and donor
Originally from the founding collection.
Origin and history
The Musée départemental de la Doupée et du Jouet is based on the passion of Marie-Camille de Monneron, whose collection of dolls and old toys was acquired by the Dordogne department in 1983. This initial fund, enriched by four departmental collections and a collection from Culture et Site, is now the heart of exhibitions. The museum showcases rare pieces, such as porcelain dolls of the last quarter of the 19th century, produced by renowned French manufacturers (Jumeau, Gauthier, Steiner). These objects illustrate the evolution of toys and their role in society.
The museum is housed in a large 18th-century mansion, rebuilt around 1750 on the foundations of an ancient castle today gone. This architectural setting, marked by local history, now houses a collection labeled Museum of France. The place offers a dive into the universe of games and dolls, while testifying to the material and intangible heritage of the Dordogne. The official address, although sometimes confused with Nontron (administrative headquarters), places the museum in Abjat-sur-Bandiat, in a building full of history.
Among the museum's major assets are its thematic collections, dedicated to decorative arts and social history through toys. Porcelain dolls, in particular, offer a light on 19th century manufacturing techniques and fashions. The museum is also part of an educational approach, tracing the history of the toy and its impact on successive generations. Its telephone (05 53 56 20 80) and its label Musée de France make it a regional reference for lovers of fun and historical heritage.
