Musée Jean Lurcát

Angers, France

The Gothic masterpiece was founded in 1175 by Henry II of England and it functioned as a hospital until 1875. A reconstruction of the dispensary occupies one corner of the Salle des Malades, and a chapel and 12th century cloisters can be reached through a door at the end of the gallery. 

Today the building houses the works of the 20th century artist Jean Lurcát and many of his vivid tapestries.

References:
  • Eyewitness Travel Guide: Loire Valley. 2007

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Details

Founded: 1175
Category: Museums in France
Historical period: Birth of Capetian dynasty (France)

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Emma Kennedy (10 months ago)
Very nice museum and interesting tapestry but I really loved the beautiful medieval cloister accessed through the back of the church where the 'Chant du Monde' tapestry is housed. You need to keep your ticket to enter both things, so don't lose it in between. They'll make you check even a small backpack into the locker. Slightly annoyingly I was allowed through and then they changed their mind and made me walk all the way back through the museum to put my bag away), so it's probably easier to check it yourself - under the stairs as you enter the museum.
Marcus Wilde (14 months ago)
Some interesting exhibits which are skillfully made and stand out , but rest pretty "samey"; might be fascinating to people who weave - I don't. Generally just seems to feel a bit smug about itself, and some things look straight out of GCSE Textiles.
Cheese Man (2 years ago)
Go! It’s only €6! Really cool contrast to the Apocalypse Tapestry nearby and there are guides available in multiple languages. Plus you can see the cloisters which are calm and beautiful. Also loved the garden outside.
Paul Davis (2 years ago)
It is tempting to see these amazing tapestries for free but it is well worth paying the €6 entry to go beyond the barrier and see the collection up close rather than from a distance. But more importantly this also gives you access to the cloisters which for me was the high point of the visit. A remarkably calming place that was a real joy.
Courtney Sorrento (2 years ago)
A nice quiet place of contemplation, the tapestries are amazingly crafted and blend strong feelings of postwar angst and hope. The grounds and architecture are worth visiting in and of themselves! They have some great materials to help young ones (and older ones) to understand the messages better.
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