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Musée de la Céramique: A Treasure Trove of Ceramic Art

Discover the exquisite world of ceramic art at Rouen's Musée de la Céramique, home to a vast collection of Rouen earthenware and European masterpieces, all within a stunning 17th-century mansion.

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The Musée de la Céramique in Rouen invites visitors to explore the captivating world of ceramics. Housed in the elegant Hôtel d'Hocqueville, a 17th-century mansion, the museum boasts an impressive collection of over 5,000 pieces, primarily focusing on Rouen earthenware from the 16th to the 18th centuries. However, its collection extends beyond local artistry, featuring exquisite examples from other major European production centers like Delft, Nevers and Lille. With free admission to the permanent exhibitions, the museum offers an accessible and enriching experience for art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. The museum not only showcases the beauty of ceramic art but also provides insights into the historical and cultural context of its creation, making it a must-see attraction in Rouen.

A brief summary to Ceramics Museum - Meeting of Metropolitan Museums (RMM)

  • Monday 2 pm-5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 2 pm-5:30 pm
  • Thursday 2 pm-5:30 pm
  • Friday 2 pm-5:30 pm
  • Saturday 2 pm-5:30 pm
  • Sunday 2 pm-5:30 pm

Local tips

  • Take your time to explore the intricate details of Rouen earthenware, a local specialty with unique designs and techniques.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Musée des Beaux-Arts and Musée Le Secq des Tournelles for a full day of cultural immersion.
  • Check the museum's website for information on temporary exhibitions, which often showcase contemporary ceramic art.
  • Visit on a weekday afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
  • Take advantage of the free admission to the permanent collections and consider joining a guided tour for a deeper understanding of the exhibits.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Rouen-Rive-Droite train station, take the Metrobus towards Saint-Étienne-du-Rouvray or Grand-Quevilly and get off at the Gare-Rue Verte station. From there, it's approximately a 10-minute walk to the Musée de la Céramique. Alternatively, several bus lines (F2, F9, 11, 22) stop at Square Verdrel, which is right next to the museum. A single bus/metro ticket costs around €2.

  • Walking

    From the Rouen Cathedral, walk north along Rue Jeanne d'Arc for about 15 minutes. Turn left onto Rue Faucon. The Musée de la Céramique will be on your left. The walk is straightforward and passes by numerous shops and restaurants.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from the Rouen-Rive-Droite train station to the Musée de la Céramique will take approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare is between €8 and €12. There are usually taxis available at the train station, or you can use a ride-sharing app to request a ride.

  • Driving

    If driving, be aware that parking near the Musée de la Céramique can be limited. The Q-Park Palais de Justice Musée des Beaux-Arts is a nearby parking option, located at 8 Allée Eugène Delacroix, a few minutes walk from the museum. Parking rates at this garage are approximately €4 per hour, or €22.90 for 24 hours. Street parking is also available, but it is metered and can be difficult to find a spot. Pay and display machines operate Monday to Saturday, 9am to 7pm. There is a flat rate of €2.00 per evening, from 7pm to 3am, with the exception of the Square des Arts parking lot.

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Discover more about Ceramics Museum - Meeting of Metropolitan Museums (RMM)

The Musée de la Céramique, nestled in the heart of Rouen, offers a captivating journey through the history of European ceramics, with a special emphasis on the renowned Rouen earthenware. Housed within the Hôtel d'Hocqueville, a magnificent 17th-century mansion, the museum provides an intimate and elegant setting for exploring its vast collection of over 5,000 pieces. The museum's origins trace back to 1864, and its collection has steadily grown through donations over the years. The Hôtel d'Hocqueville itself is a historical gem, constructed on the ruins of Rouen's ancient castle, which in turn stood upon the remains of a Gallo-Roman amphitheater. The building's architecture, blending 17th-century design with later Neoclassical additions, creates a unique atmosphere that complements the artistry on display. The collection's core focuses on Rouen earthenware, representing over two-thirds of the museum's holdings. These pieces showcase the distinctive styles and techniques that made Rouen a prominent center for ceramic production from the 16th to the 18th centuries. Visitors can admire Renaissance paving tiles by Masséot Abaquesne, grand ceremonial dishes with radiating decoration from the early 18th century, pieces with niello decoration in ochre, and monumental earthenware paintings and sculptures, including the remarkable Celestial and Terrestrial Globes by Pierre II Chapelle (1725) and a series of busts of the Seasons (1730). Beyond Rouen earthenware, the museum features notable collections from other key European ceramic centers. Examples from Delft, Nevers, Lille, and Moustiers provide a broader context for understanding the evolution of ceramic art. The collection extends into the 19th and 20th centuries, with pieces from the Sèvres factory, and the museum regularly hosts contemporary ceramic art exhibitions. The museum's layout guides visitors through the history of European ceramics, beginning on the ground floor with displays of early European earthenware, including Italian majolica produced between the 15th and 18th centuries. The first and second floors showcase 18th-century masterpieces from Rouen, including blue monochromes, red and blue radiating decorations, polychrome earthenware sculptures and paintings, chinoiserie, and embellishments in horn. Two rooms are dedicated to porcelain and china, and a study features works from the Netherlands, Nevers, Lille, and Moustiers. In 2012, the museum completed a three-year restoration project, unveiling a new display of its permanent collections. The Hôtel d'Hocqueville's former lustre was restored, with magnificent Neoclassical decoration and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The rooms were painted in light colors, and new display cases were designed by museographer Didier Blin. The Musée de la Céramique is conveniently located near other cultural attractions, including the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Musée Le Secq des Tournelles, and it is adjacent to the Square Verdrel. This proximity allows visitors to easily combine a visit to the ceramics museum with other cultural experiences in Rouen. Visiting the Musée de la Céramique offers a unique opportunity to delve into the world of ceramic art and appreciate the craftsmanship and artistry of European ceramic traditions. Whether you are an avid collector, a history buff, or simply seeking a beautiful and enriching experience, the Musée de la Céramique is sure to delight and inspire. The museum is easily accessible by public transport, with bus lines F2, F9, 11, and 22 stopping at Square Verdrel, and the Métrobus station Gare - Rue Verte nearby. The museum is open from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It is closed on Tuesdays, January 1st, May 1st, November 1st and 11th, and December 25th. Admission to the permanent collections is free, while a flat rate of €4 applies for temporary exhibitions. Whether you're drawn to the intricate details of Rouen earthenware, the elegance of Delftware, or the innovation of contemporary ceramic art, the Musée de la Céramique promises a memorable and enriching cultural experience in the heart of Rouen.

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