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Key figures

Origin and history

Oiron Castle, located in the commune of Plaine-et-Vallées in New Aquitaine, is an emblematic building of Renaissance and classical styles, mainly built by the Gouffier family between the 16th and 17th centuries. Ranked a historic monument in 1923 and registered in 1943, it became state property in 1946. The castle is now known to house a contemporary art collection, while preserving major architectural and decorative elements of its past, such as the Renaissance Gallery and its murals.

Originally, the Oiron seigneury belonged to the 12th century to the local family of the Oirons, before passing into the hands of the Thouars in the 14th century. In 1449, Guillaume Ier Gouffier, Charles VII's favourite, became his owner after the disgrace of Jean Barillet, a general receiver of finance linked to Jacques Coeur. The Gouffier profoundly transformed the castle, notably under Artus Gouffier, Grand Master of France under François I, who welcomed the court there in 1518. His son, Claude Gouffier, great squire of France, completed the transformation of the medieval house into a Renaissance castle, adding a painted gallery and sumptuous decorations.

In the 17th century, Louis Gouffier, opposed to the regency of Marie de Medici, was condemned to exile in Oiron, where he undertook important works, such as the construction of the King's Pavilion and the decoration of the Amazon Hall. The castle then passes into the hands of the Aubusson-La Feuillade, which adds classical elements, such as the pavilion of the Trophies. In 1700 Madame de Montespan, Louis XIV's favorite, acquired the estate and made interior changes, such as tiled tiles and panelling.

After a period of decline in the eighteenth century, marked by successive sales and neglected maintenance, the castle was saved by the state in 1946. Since then, important restorations have preserved its decorations, including the Renaissance Gallery, whose paintings illustrating the Troy War have been restored on several occasions. In 1987, a contemporary art exhibition, Meltem, marked the beginning of a new vocation for the castle, which now houses the Curios & Mirabilia collection, combining modern works and historical heritage.

The castle also preserves traces of its cynegetic past, with stables renowned under Henry II and arrangements for hunting in the 19th century. The commons, dating back to the 16th century, bear witness to this function, while the gardens and park were renovated in the 21st century to accommodate contemporary facilities. Today, Oiron is a place for dialogue between heritage and creation, attracting visitors through its rich history and innovative exhibitions.

Among the remarkable elements, the Renaissance Gallery, 55 meters long, is the largest painted gallery in France after that of Fontainebleau. It illustrates in 14 scenes the cycle of the Trojan and Eneid War, attributed to Christmas Jallier. The castle also houses 17th century decors, such as the King's bedroom and the Amazon room, as well as remains of Gouffier's art collections, scattered over the centuries. These collections included works by Raphael, Perugin, and royal portraits, some of which still remain in the neighbouring former college.

Since 1993, the Curios & Mirabilia collection has been reactivating the spirit of Renaissance curiosity cabinets, with works by contemporary artists such as Daniel Spoerri, John Armleder and Felice Varini. These installations interact with the history of the place, such as in the Armes room or the Horse Gallery, where modern art stands alongside ancient decorations. The castle, managed by the National Monuments Centre, is today the most visited monument of the Deux-Sèvres, while serving as a framework for filming and television reports.

Future

The Château d'Oiron houses the Curios & Mirabilia collection of contemporary art, freely designed on the theme of the cabinet of curiosity with reference to the fabulous collection of art by Claude Gouffier, lord of the castle and great squire of Henri II.

Artists reinterpret an exceptional place and decor (renaissance mural gallery in the style of the École de Fontainebleau, 17th century painted and carved woodwork).

On the steps of the Marquis de Carabas (Le Chat Botté), of which Claude Gouffier, it is said, was the model, the visitor is therefore invited to stroll between curiosities and wonders...

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