Musée de l'Hôtel-Dieu

Situated along the picturesque route of the Impressionist painters, just a few kilometers from Giverny, lies the Musée de l'Hôtel-Dieu in Mantes-la-Jolie. Nestled near the Notre-Dame Collegiate Church, this museum is housed in the historic medieval chapel of the Hôtel-Dieu, whose classical facade has been classified as a Historic Monument. Reopened in February 2019 after a significant renovation project, the museum now boasts enhanced spaces and collections that offer a captivating journey through art and history.

The Historical Roots of Hôtel-Dieu

The origins of the Hôtel-Dieu date back to the medieval period when it served as a hospital institution under the Church's mission of hospitality and charity. The first Hôtel-Dieu in Mantes-la-Jolie was established in the 11th century but was destroyed during the sack of 1087 by William the Conqueror. It was in the 14th century, under the reign of Charles V, that the Hôtel-Dieu was relocated near the Notre-Dame Collegiate Church, where it stands today. During its golden age in the 17th century, the institution was a significant and powerful entity, owning several lands and participating in the wine trade.

The current structure dates from this period, with the community of Augustinians rebuilding the hospital and the Saint-Jean chapel in two phases from 1646 to 1649 and from 1667 to 1675. The chapel's interior was originally simple, adorned with eleven stained glass windows and a painted choir. Though the interior decoration has not survived, the classical facade with its refined sculptural motifs remains a testament to the 17th-century architecture of Mantes-la-Jolie.

A Journey Through Time

During the French Revolution, the Hôtel-Dieu was closed and reportedly used as a prison. In the following decades, the chapel underwent various transformations, serving as a theater, a photography society, and eventually a cinema. The cinema, known as Palace Attractions, was the first in Mantes and could accommodate up to 500 spectators. Although it closed during World War II, the building survived the bombings and was subsequently restored by the city.

In 1962, the city acquired the building through public expropriation, and extensive restoration work began, lasting about thirty years. The primary goal was to create a splendid annex for the town hall to host receptions and exhibitions. Recognized for its architectural quality and historical significance, the chapel's main facade was classified as a Historic Monument in 1948, and the entire chapel was listed in 1964.

The Musée de l'Hôtel-Dieu

The cultural destiny of the building was cemented in 1971 with the donation of works by Maximilien Luce by his son. The museum was inaugurated in June 1996 and received the Musée de France label in 2002. Today, it houses the largest collection dedicated to Maximilien Luce in Europe, displayed permanently on the museum's first floor. This collection, consisting of over 150 works, reflects Luce's close ties to the post-impressionist movement and his deep connection to the Seine Valley and the Mantes region.

Exploring the Collections

The museum's collections are diverse, offering visitors a rich tapestry of art and history. Among the notable works is Jean-Baptiste Camille Corot's The Flight into Egypt, an oil painting from 1840. Corot, a prominent French landscape painter, inspired future generations, including Claude Monet and Maximilien Luce. This painting, initially commissioned in 1839, showcases Corot's preference for religious or mythological subjects within a neoclassical tradition.

The Maximilien Luce Collection

Maximilien Luce's collection is a highlight of the museum, featuring paintings, drawings, and lithographs. Luce, associated with post-impressionists like Pissarro, Seurat, and Signac, found inspiration in the Seine Valley and the Mantes region from 1917 onwards. His works often depict landscapes, daily life, and the condition of workers, reflecting his anarchist beliefs and the impact of World War I.

The Medieval Collection

In 2000, the museum's medieval collection was enriched with lapidary pieces from the 14th-century Échevins portal of the Notre-Dame Collegiate Church. These pieces, discovered in the foundations of the former Ursuline convent, offer a glimpse into the medieval architectural heritage of Mantes-la-Jolie.

Representing the Mantois

The museum also chronicles the transformation of Mantes-la-Jolie into a modern town in the 19th century. As the town evolved into a sub-prefecture and embraced the Industrial Revolution, it saw rapid population growth and urban development. The arrival of the railway in 1843 further revolutionized the town, attracting artists from Paris who found inspiration in its picturesque landscapes and bustling life along the Seine.

In conclusion, the Musée de l'Hôtel-Dieu is not just a museum; it is a gateway to the rich artistic and historical heritage of Mantes-la-Jolie. From its medieval origins to its contemporary collections, the museum offers a fascinating journey through time, making it an unmissable destination for art and history enthusiasts visiting this charming town.