Located today in the former mansion built in 1862 in the neo-Gothic style by Dr. Henri Barré, the Henri Barré Museum is an art and history museum with the Musée de France label.
Opened in 1920, after the death of Mrs. Veuve Barré, this museum mainly exhibits a beautiful collection of French and foreign earthenware. Visitors can also learn about local history and the Dukes of La Trémouille, who left their mark on the town of Thouars..
The collections
The entire collection is spread over three floors and has retained the very special atmosphere of 19th-century collectors' cabinets.
The museum's crown jewel is its collection of French earthenware from Rouen, Nevers, Moustiers, and other locations, as well as foreign earthenware from Delft, Italy, and elsewhere. The museum also houses a few pieces from the earthenware factory that operated in Rigné at the end of the 18th century.
Paintings and furniture are also on display, including 16th-century canvases, 19th-century Flemish primitives, the Barbizon School, 17th-century chests, Empire furniture, and more.
The history of the Thouars region is evoked by numerous objects and documents, prehistoric collections, Gallo-Roman glassware from the Brie excavations, pottery, weapons, everyday objects, engravings, and more.
On the third floor, souvenirs of local history, Duhomard aperitifs, are displayed alongside old bicycles and toys, clothing, and objects of popular art and traditions.
Exhibitions and events are held throughout the year.
Henri Barré
Henri Barré was a doctor practicing in Thouars, an architect who designed his own house, an artist who painted pictures, an art lover, a distinguished collector, and a great traveler.
Henri Barré Museum
7, Rue Marie de la Tour,
79100 Thouars
Tel.: 05 49 66 36 97
http://www.tourisme-deux-sevres.com/votre-sejour/a-voir-a-faire/107208-musee-henri-
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