Nicolas Poussin Museum
About Nicolas Poussin Museum
The Nicolas Poussin Museum is a certified 'Musée de France' housed in an elegant 18th-century bourgeois mansion in the heart of Les Andelys, birthplace of the renowned 17th-century classical painter Nicolas Poussin. The museum's star attraction is Poussin's masterpiece 'Coriolan supplié par sa famille' (Coriolanus Entreated by His Family), a dramatic 1652 oil painting depicting the Roman general being pleaded with by his mother and wife. Beyond fine arts, the collection spans decorative arts, archaeology from prehistoric to Roman periods, and industrial history including exquisite Holophane glassware from local 1930s-1940s production. The museum operates seasonally from late March to early November, opening afternoons from 2-6 PM (closed Tuesdays). Visitors should note the limited opening hours and plan accordingly - morning visits are available only by prior appointment. Entry is free on the first Sunday of each month and during Heritage Days, making it an affordable cultural destination in Normandy.
Interesting Facts
The museum's prized Poussin painting has survived two major disasters - a devastating fire in 1860 and Allied bombing during World War II. Before finding its permanent home in Les Andelys, the artwork had quite a journey: it was seized from a Naval treasurer during the French Revolution in 1794, spent 30 years in Évreux, and finally arrived in 1832.
Nicolas Poussin, often called 'the greatest French painter of the 17th century,' spent most of his life in Rome rather than France. He only briefly returned to Paris as First Painter to King Louis XIII (1640-1642) before fleeing back to Rome due to jealousy and court intrigues, never to return to France again.
The museum features an unexpected industrial treasure: a collection of prestigious Holophane glassware. This local Les Andelys company produced high-quality decorative and industrial glass during the 1930s-1940s, representing an often-overlooked aspect of the town's manufacturing heritage alongside its artistic legacy.
Planning Your Visit
Opening Hours
Ticket Prices
Museum Entry
RecommendedGuided Tour
Guided tour available by appointment. Morning visits possible upon request.
Location & Practical Info
Address
2 rue Sainte-Clotilde, 27700 Les Andelys, France
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