Located on the site of the old train station in Hérépian, the Museum of the Bell and the Sonnaille, classified as a "Musée de France", is managed by the Communauté de communes Grand Orb.
The idea of creating a Museum of the Bell and the Sonnaille was born from the presence in the village of Hérépian of a bell foundry that remained in the Granier family from 1600 to 1994.
On May 31, 1998, after 9 years of research and work, the Museum of the Bell and the Bell opened its doors.
The Museum proposes to discover the magic universe of the creation of the sound by the fire of more than 1000m2. It presents the different manufacturing techniques as well as the uses and the sound universe of all the productions of the old bell foundry, property of the Granier family since 1600: the bells of copper sheet metal of the pastoral world, the bells and the clarines in melted metal and finally the apogee of the bell art: the church bells.
Educational, the museum proposes a course, at the same time didactic, ludic and interactive. You can see, touch and hear...
The museum is composed of 4 main parts:
The manufacture and use of bells.
The manufacture and use of clarines and bells.
The manufacture and use of church bells.
The symbolism and musicality of the bell in the 6 belfries and the quadraphonic room.
Labels and distinctions...
The Museum of the Bell and the Ringing, by the quality of its collection and its museography obtained several labels and distinctions.
Its permanent collection, recognized by the State as "of public interest" is labeled "Museum of France".
The policy of openness and accessibility has also earned it the "Tourism and Disability" label, which rewards tourist organizations that facilitate access for people with reduced mobility and take into account several types of disability.
The accessibility of the museum is adapted to all, whether it is a motor, mental or visual handicap. Particularly adapted for visually impaired and blind people, the route has been specifically equipped with floor markings, Braille labels, audio guide for a visit in total autonomy.
The Federation of Regional Nature Parks of France has awarded the museum the "Regional Nature Park Values" distinction.
The Museum of the Bell and the Sonnaille has also been awarded the "Vignobles et Découvertes" label, a national label that aims to promote and develop a wine tourism activity, for example by proposing events and services on the theme of the vineyard.
Finally, the Sud de France label has also been awarded to recognize its commitment to the quality of reception in Occitania.
Museum of the Bell and the Sonnaille
Espace André Malraux,
34600 Hérépian
Tel : 04 67 95 39 95
http://www.grandorb.fr/Tourisme/Musee-de-la-Cloche-et-de-la-Sonnaille/Tourisme/5/266.html
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