The Bossuet museum is located at Meaux, in Seine-et-Marne.
The establishment founded in 1927 is the city's art and history museum and it owes its name to the theologian Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet, bishop of Meaux from 1681 to 1704, renowned in particular for his oratorical art.
The museum is also housed in the former episcopal palace. It was built in the 12th century and refurbished in the 18th century, presenting a Renaissance architecture, and notably having a south facade in bricks and stones pierced with large cross windows, the north facade also being representative of the "Grand Siècle" style.
The richness of the fund is especially due to the Fine Arts collections presented on the first floor. They come mainly from a bequest from the chemist and collector Henri Moissan in 1914 and, more recently, from a bequest from the neurosurgeon Jean-Pierre Changeux.
Among the most remarkable works exhibited, we note the "Deposition from the Cross" by Frans Floris (1519-1570), the paintings of the local painter Jean Senelle (1605-1671) but also canvases by Bon Boullogne (1649- 1717), Noël Coypel (1628-1707) or the brothers Antoine, Louis and Mathieu Le Nain (born between 1593 and 1607).
For the 18th century, works by Carle Van Loo (1705-1765), Jean-François de Troy (1679-1719) and Charles Antoine Coypel (1694-1752) have been preserved.
Finally, for the 19th century, in addition to paintings by Jean François Millet (1814-1875), the spotlight is on landscapes painted by artists from the Barbizon School and Orientalist paintings.
On other levels of the palace, there are sculptures and an apothecary.
In addition, Bossuet's former study has been reconstructed identically and the lower rooms are dedicated to hosting temporary exhibitions. This museum therefore allows you to discover a quality panorama of the history of art while admiring an exceptional architectural setting.
Open every day except Tuesday from April to October, and every day except Mondays and Tuesdays from November to March. Price: 3 and 4 euros. Free on the first Sunday of the month. Free access to temporary exhibitions. Guided tours: 4.50 and 9 euros. Information on +33 1 64 34 84 45.
