Musée départemental breton

In the heart of Quimper, nestled near the majestic Saint-Corentin Cathedral, lies a treasure trove of Breton heritage – the Musée départemental breton. This museum, established in 1846 by the Finistère Archaeological Society, offers visitors a captivating journey through the history, culture, and art of the Finistère region. Housed in the former Bishop's Palace of Cornouaille, the museum is a beacon of historical and artistic preservation, making it an unmissable stop for anyone visiting Brittany.

The Historic Building

The Musée départemental breton is more than just a repository of artifacts; it is a historical artifact in itself. The museum is situated in the former Bishop's Palace of Cornouaille, a grand structure that has stood the test of time and witnessed centuries of history. The oldest part of the building is the Rohan Tower, constructed in 1507 for Bishop Claude de Rohan. This Renaissance-style tower features a remarkable helical staircase that culminates in a stunning wooden ceiling carved to resemble a palm tree. The intricate oak carvings that adorn the ceiling include whimsical representations of foliage, animals both real and imaginary, and enigmatic human figures.

The museum's rooms were meticulously restored between 1990 and 2001, and they are organized thematically and chronologically across four main sections: archaeology and ancient arts (from Prehistory to the 18th century), costumes and their artistic representations (19th-20th centuries), wood sculpture and furniture (15th-20th centuries), and Quimper ceramics (18th-20th centuries). The buildings themselves are protected as historical monuments, with the Rohan Tower classified in 1921 and the facades, roof, and first-floor rooms listed in 1983.

The Collections

The museum's permanent collection offers a comprehensive look at the region's history and artistic achievements. The journey begins with an exploration of Prehistory and Protohistory, featuring significant pieces such as the gold torc from Irvillac (Bronze Age) and the gold necklace from Tréglonou (Iron Age), which are among the finest examples of protohistoric goldsmithing found in France. The next section, centered around the monumental pavement of a Gallo-Roman villa's baths, delves into the lifestyle of the Osismii, a Gallic tribe whose territory roughly corresponds to modern-day Finistère. Here, visitors can marvel at monumental sculptures, domestic and religious artifacts, Gaulish and Gallo-Roman ceramics, personal grooming items, and ancient coins.

The ground floor continues with exhibits on medieval, Renaissance, and classical arts. Highlights include Romanesque capitals from the 12th century, the tombstone of Grallon de Kervastar (14th century), and a 16th-century mausoleum of the knight Troïlus de Mondragon. Two large 16th-century stained glass windows illustrate the dual influences of Italian and German art on Breton stained glass during the Renaissance. Additionally, a display case showcases the 14th-century monetary treasure of Saint-Pol-de-Léon, complete with the earthenware piggy banks in which it was found.

Costumes and Art

On the second floor, the museum's focus shifts to the traditional costumes of Finistère from the 19th and 20th centuries. Thirty mannequins exhibit a variety of regional attire, including those from Pays Bigouden, Quimper, Fouesnant, and Douarnenez, adorned with intricate embroidery, lace, and jewelry. This section also features works by sculptors and painters who documented the region's costumes and traditions, such as René Quillivic, Armel-Beaufils, and François Caujan.

Two additional rooms, including one in the Rohan Tower decorated with 18th-century frescoes, display the evolution of Breton furniture and wood sculpture from the 15th to the 20th century. Visitors can see medieval house facades, Renaissance tables, marriage chests, linen presses, and modern Breton furniture designed by artists like Jeanne Malivel and René-Yves Creston.

Quimper Ceramics

The third floor is dedicated to Quimper ceramics, showcasing a collection that began in the mid-19th century and continues to grow. The exhibits include luxurious 18th-century faience, popular pottery from the 18th to 20th centuries, and artistic ceramics from the interwar period by artists such as Mathurin Méheut and René Quillivic. The collection also features modern pieces from the Keraluc workshop and contemporary works by artists like Guy Trévoux and Michel Costiou.

The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, primarily focused on Breton arts and representations of the region's landscapes and people by various artists from 1850 to 1950.

The Musée départemental breton is not just a museum; it is a vibrant testament to the rich cultural tapestry of Brittany. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply a curious traveler, a visit to this museum promises a deeply enriching experience, offering insights into the unique heritage of the Finistère region.