Musée Bernard d'Agesci

In the charming town of Niort, nestled in the Deux-Sèvres department of France, lies a cultural treasure trove known as the Musée Bernard d'Agesci. This museum, named after the notable local artist Bernard d'Agesci, is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art, history, and education. The museum, which opened its doors in 2006, is housed in the former Jean-Macé girls' high school, a building that dates back to the late 19th century. The building itself is a work of art, designed by the municipal architect Georges Lasseron, and is notable for its use of decorative faience and terracotta on the main stone facade.

The History of the Musée Bernard d'Agesci

The origins of the Musée Bernard d'Agesci date back to the late 19th century when the Jean-Macé girls' high school was established in 1897. This institution was the first public building in Niort to feature decorative ceramics and terracotta on its facade. The school functioned until 1993, after which the municipal authorities decided to consolidate various collections from different sites into a single, multidisciplinary museum. This ambitious project culminated in the opening of the Musée Bernard d'Agesci in June 2006, following extensive restoration and modernization of the historic building.

The museum is named in honor of Bernard d'Agesci, a prominent figure in Niort's artistic and cultural history. Born in the early 19th century, d'Agesci was not only a painter and sculptor but also a municipal councilor who contributed significantly to the cultural development of the city. He founded Niort's first public library, a free drawing school, and a botanical garden, and he played a key role in transforming several public buildings.

Exploring the Musée Bernard d'Agesci

The Musée Bernard d'Agesci is a sprawling institution that covers nearly 5,000 square meters and is divided into three main sections: Fine Arts and Decorative Arts, Natural History, and the Conservatory and Observatory of Education. Each section offers a unique and enriching experience for visitors.

The Fine Arts Section

The Fine Arts section is the largest and most extensive part of the museum, occupying seven rooms on the first floor, the grand staircase, and the entire second floor. The journey through this section begins with medieval and Renaissance decorative arts, featuring Gothic ivories, enamels, terracotta, and Islamic art. One of the highlights is the collection of historiated woodwork from the chapel of the Château de La Mothe-Saint-Héray, which dates back to the early 17th century and depicts biblical scenes.

The Fine Arts section also includes a series of five rooms showcasing paintings from the 16th to the 18th centuries, with works by Dutch, Italian, and French artists such as Willem van Mieris, Domenico Fetti, Charles-Antoine Coypel, and Jean-Marc Nattier. Bernard d'Agesci himself is honored with a dedicated room featuring his portraits, mythological scenes, and bas-reliefs for various public buildings in Niort.

Local artists are well-represented in the museum, with spaces dedicated to painters like Louis Georges Brillouin, Louis-Alphonse Combe-Velluet, Julien Thibaudeau, and Jules Gabriel Hubert-Sauzeau, as well as sculptors such as Jean-Baptiste Baujault and Pierre-Marie Poisson. The second floor also includes thematic rooms focused on the silversmithing of Deux-Sèvres, the collection of musician and luthier Auguste Tolbecque, and the art pottery of Parthenay, with notable creations by Jouneau, Amirault, and Knoëpflin.

The Natural History Section

The Natural History section of the museum offers a fascinating journey through the natural world. A contemporary installation by Zette Cazalas evokes a cabinet of curiosities, displaying taxidermied animals, ostrich eggs, corals, and shells. Several spaces are dedicated to the regional fauna, featuring a collection of taxidermied coastal birds, mammals, and nocturnal raptors. The section also includes a room focused on regional geology and a collection of skeletons.

The Conservatory of Education

The Conservatory of Education illustrates the history of education during the Third Republic and occupies an entire wing of the first floor, encompassing six rooms. This section presents a variety of educational materials, including maps, historical panels, papier-mâché anatomical models, scientific instruments, drawing and music practice materials, and school furniture. Visitors can explore the evolution of teaching methods and the educational environment of the past.

Artworks and Objects of Interest

The Musée Bernard d'Agesci also houses a collection of artworks and objects that were recovered after being looted by the Nazis during World War II and have not yet been returned to their rightful owners. These include two Islamic basins from the 14th or 15th century, paintings by Jean-Baptiste Huet and Frans van Mieris, and a portrait by Jean-Marc Nattier. The museum also boasts a collection of Islamic art spanning from the 13th to the 19th century.

Visitor Services

The museum offers a range of services to enhance the visitor experience. The large east wing of the ground floor is a flexible space that hosts temporary exhibitions on local figures or the history of Niort. The museum also features a gift shop, a 100-seat conference and concert hall, an educational service, a specialized library, and a painting restoration workshop that serves public collections in western France.

The Musée Bernard d'Agesci is not just a museum; it is a vibrant cultural hub that celebrates the rich artistic, natural, and educational heritage of Niort. Whether you are an art lover, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about the world, this museum offers something for everyone. A visit to the Musée Bernard d'Agesci is a journey through time and creativity, making it an essential stop on any trip to Niort.