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Key figures

Origin and history

The Musée du verre, de la pierre et du livre de Conches-en-Ouche was created in 1996 by the city to preserve the glass paste windows of François Décorchemont, a local artist. Originally focused on French glass arts from the late 19th to 21st centuries, it was enriched with various collections, including prehistoric stones and an ancient fonds of 2,300 books, including 16 medieval manuscripts and 28 incunables. This project was supported by the State and the Normandy Region, with an investment of €3 million for its transfer to the site of the former Abbey of Conches.

The museum is organized around four main themes: Art Nouveau and the 1950s, stained glass in the 20th century, French glass revival, and contemporary glass sculpture. In 2017, a call for tenders was launched to entrust the restructuring of an abbey building to the Paris agency Dubois & Associés, known for its work on museums such as Nancy or d'Albi. The aim was to open the new museum in the spring of 2022, thus strengthening the cultural and tourist attraction of the territory.

The former Abbey of Conches, associated with the museum, plays a central role in this project. It now houses unique collections, combining glass, geological and bibliophilic heritage. The museum, labeled "Musée de France", is positioned as a key player in local development, offering a heritage, educational and social experience for residents and visitors alike. Its official address, 15 Route de Sainte-Marguerite, makes it an accessible place in the heart of Normandy.

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