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Musée du Nouveau Monde: A Voyage Through Franco-American History

Explore Franco-American history and art in an 18th-century mansion at La Rochelle's Musée du Nouveau Monde. A journey through transatlantic exchange.

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Housed in a stunning 18th-century mansion, the Musée du Nouveau Monde in La Rochelle explores the historical ties between France and the Americas. Through art, artifacts, and exhibits on subjects like the slave trade and the New France colony, the museum offers a compelling look at transatlantic exchange.

A brief summary to Musée du Nouveau Monde

Local tips

  • Visit on the first Sunday of the month (excluding July and August) for free admission.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the museum's extensive collections.
  • Take advantage of the free audio guide available in French, English, and Spanish.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Vieux Port (Old Port), the Musée du Nouveau Monde is approximately a 10-minute walk. Head east, away from the harbor, following signs for the city center. Continue onto Rue du Palais, then turn right onto Rue Fleuriau. The museum will be on your left. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    The Yélo public transport network serves the Musée du Nouveau Monde. Take bus line 1, 2, or 3 and disembark at the Dupaty stop, which is closest to the museum. Alternatively, all bus lines stop at Place de Verdun, a short walk from the museum. A single Yélo bus fare costs €1.30.

  • Driving

    From the N11, follow signs for La Rochelle Centre-Ville. Once in the city center, follow signs to the Gare SNCF (train station) and then to the city center. The Musée du Nouveau Monde is located on Rue Fleuriau. Paid parking is available at Place de Verdun (underground) and Notre-Dame. Expect to pay around €2.20 per hour.

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Discover more about Musée du Nouveau Monde

The Musée du Nouveau Monde, or New World Museum, offers a captivating exploration of the historical relationship between France and the Americas from the 16th century onward. Located in La Rochelle, a city that served as a major French port for trade and emigration to the New World, the museum is housed within the elegant Hôtel Fleuriau, an 18th-century mansion once owned by a wealthy shipowner and trader, Aimé-Benjamin Fleuriau. The museum's collection comprises paintings, engravings, drawings, sculptures, old maps, and decorative art objects that evoke images of Canada, the West Indies, and Brazil. Exhibits delve into various aspects of this transatlantic connection, including the history of New France, the fur trade, and the American Revolution. A significant portion of the museum is dedicated to the history of the transatlantic slave trade, a somber but essential part of La Rochelle's past. Visitors can explore exhibits dedicated to the indigenous peoples of North America, the French and the California Gold Rush, and allegories of the Americas as seen through European eyes. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and events throughout the year, offering fresh perspectives on its collections and themes. With its rich collection and historical setting, the Musée du Nouveau Monde provides a fascinating glimpse into the intertwined histories of France and the Americas.

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