In the truly exceptional setting of Belleperche Abbey, founded in 1130, the Musée des Arts de la Table plunges the visitor into the "rich, surprising and colorful" world of tableware, from the end of the Middle Ages to the present day.
The permanent exhibition "La table est mise! "offers, through a thousand and one objects of earthenware, porcelain, glass, metal and clay, the evolution of utensils from the simplest to the most sophisticated.
It allows us to understand how they were arranged on the table, how they were served, how our ancestors ate and why we use cutlery and a plate today...
The table is set
"The table is set" is the forerunner of what will be the permanent exhibition of the museum. In the former attic of the abbey, an impressive vaulted nave, are exposed on nearly 500 m² a journey through time in eight stages, punctuated by six tables, three thematic "enclosures" (exotic beverages, wine service in the eighteenth century, typical objects of the nineteenth century) and two dining rooms very different although contemporary, one of "Henry II" style, the second "Art Nouveau".
- Stage 1, from the end of the Middle Ages to the 17th century
- Stage 2, the time of sugar and the multiplication of objects, teapots, coffee and chocolate makers, sugar bowls and ice buckets, oil and sauce boats, compote and juice jars, salt shakers, mustard pots, spice boxes...
- Stage 3, the eighteenth century in its fullness, the French service, the decoration of tables, plates, glasses, dishes and tureens
- Stage 4, the beginning of the 19th century and the influence of England with pipe clay, fine earthenware, crystal, porcelain...
- Step 5, French service and Russian service
- Stage 6, the 19th century and industrialization
- Step 7, around 1900, between Art Nouveau, rococo and new materials
- Stage 8, the twentieth century and current events.
The Valfré collection and the "Earth and Tea" exhibition
In 2010, the museum was enriched by the collection "La Terre et le Thé" built up since 1989 by Mr. Patrice Valfré, with several hundred objects related to the consumption of tea, mostly made in China for the domestic market and for export, but also in Japan and Europe. The Valfré collection is considered a true aesthetic and cultural treasure.
It is the most important collection in the West.
Culture and gastronomy
Throughout the year, the abbey offers an eclectic cultural program, organizing each year an unmissable event "Les médiévales de Belleperche", a "Murder Party", picnic concerts...
For many centuries, abbeys and monasteries in France and Europe have been delighting people with their wines, beers, ciders, cheeses, cured meats, jams, liqueurs, cookies, doughnuts...
The abbeys were also used as hotels for high-ranking customers. At Belleperche Abbey, the facilities intended for this function have been entirely preserved: guest rooms, an immense gallery, stairways of honor, winter and summer reception apartments, kitchen, refectory.
In view of this rich architectural past, it was only natural that Belleperche Abbey should experience a second life in connection with gastronomy.
Welcome to the table!
The Museum of the Arts of the Table
82700 Cordes-Tolosannes
Tel : 05 63 95 62 75
resa-belleperche@ledepartement82.fr
http://www.musee-arts-de-la-table.fr/
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