The European Museum of Bell and Belfry Arts, located in L'Isle-Jourdain, Gers, was inaugurated on December 16, 1994. The inauguration was under the patronage of François Mitterrand, the then President of the Republic, and was blessed by Pope John Paul II. The event was also attended by Protestant authorities from the Midi-Pyrénées region.
The museum's collection revolves around its flagship object, the Bastille carillon, which is a historical monument. The collection includes a thousand objects such as large bells from the West and East, bells, rattles, bronze and wooden drums, rattles and simandres, keyboards and carillons, as well as jewelry and sound toys.
Visitors can find objects or documents related to the art of bell founding in this area. These include tools, molds, caps, an oven, and a tuning tower. A video is also available that presents images of castings in large European foundries. The museum houses a large number of objects from the Paccard foundry in Annecy.
History & Anthropology Applied art Industrial heritage
Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 12 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm
Open on the first Sunday of the month
Closed on 1 May
Annual closure at the end of December - beginning of January
Summer hours:
Tuesday to Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm
Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, L'Isle-Jourdain
No exhibitions in Musée d'Art Campanaire have been found.
Musée d'Art Campanaire has 1 rating.
The Musée d'Art Campanaire in L'Isle-Jourdain, France, is a specialized museum dedicated to the art of bell-making and campanology. Visitors often appreciate the extensive collection of bells from various periods and cultures, providing an insightful look into the history and craftsmanship of bell production. The museum houses a diverse range of bells, from small handbells to large church bells, offering a comprehensive overview of this unique art form.
Many reviewers highlight the educational value of the museum, praising the informative displays that explain the bell-making process and the cultural significance of bells across different societies. The museum's interactive elements, such as the opportunity to ring some of the bells, are frequently mentioned as engaging features, especially for children and families.
The museum's location in a renovated water tower adds to its charm, with some visitors noting the interesting architecture as part of the overall experience. The panoramic view of the surrounding area from the top of the tower is often cited as a pleasant bonus.
However, some visitors mention that the museum might be too specialized for those without a specific interest in bells or campanology. A few reviews suggest that the information provided could be more extensive in certain areas or that some exhibits could benefit from updates or better translations for non-French speakers.
Despite these minor critiques, the overall sentiment towards the Musée d'Art Campanaire is positive. Many visitors find it to be an unexpectedly interesting and educational experience, offering a glimpse into a niche aspect of cultural history.
This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.