Carré Plantagenêt

Welcome to the city of Le Mans, located in the Pays de la Loire region of France. As a tourist guide, I would like to introduce you to one of the most fascinating museums in the city - the Musée d'archéologie et d'histoire du Maine, also known as the Musée Jean-Claude-Boulard Carré Plantagenêt. The museum is situated in the Saint-Nicolas neighborhood, close to the city center. It was completely restored and redesigned by the architect Bernard Althabegoity and officially inaugurated on June 19, 2009. The museum opened its doors to the public the following day. Le Mans was one of the first cities in France to have a museum after the revolution. It was opened and accessible to the public free of charge from June 21, 1799. The museum is housed in the galleries of the Abbey of La Couture, which now serves as the prefecture of Sarthe. The majority of the collection at the museum belonged to the Maréchal de Tessé, whose descendant emigrated to Switzerland during the French Revolution. This museum, originally dedicated to fine arts, became the Musée de Tessé. The knowledge of historical monuments and their conservation was developed by the Société française pour la conservation des monuments under the leadership of Arcisse de Caumont through the sessions of the Congrès archéologiques de France and the Bulletin monumental. The administrative commission for historical monuments of the department of Sarthe, with Eugène Mancel as prefect, formed the project of a museum or a place to store various ancient objects whose destruction was imminent. Visitors to the Musée d'archéologie et d'histoire du Maine can expect to see a wide range of exhibits that showcase the rich history of the region. The museum's collection includes artifacts from the prehistoric era to the Middle Ages, as well as objects from the Renaissance and modern times. One of the highlights of the museum is the collection of Gallo-Roman mosaics, which are among the most significant in France. The museum also has a large collection of medieval sculptures, including the famous "Sainte Anne trinitaire" statue. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year that cover a wide range of topics related to history and archaeology. The Musée d'archéologie et d'histoire du Maine is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history and archaeology. Its fascinating exhibits and beautiful setting make it a great place to spend an afternoon exploring the rich cultural heritage of Le Mans.

Location: Le Mans

Official opening: June 19, 2009

Website: lemans.fr/page.do?t=2&uuid=AB39CED9-7F000001-245D0CEB-ED5B67C0

Sources: Wikimedia, OpenStreetMap