At the heart of the history and art of the French Renaissance
The Château d'Écouen, built by Anne de Montmorency, a prominent figure of the 16th centurye century and close to Kings Francis I and Henry II, embodies a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Today, it houses the prestigious National Museum of the Renaissance, which reveals a vast artistic panorama from the 15the, XVIe and XVIIthe centuries.
A castle that bears witness to the grandeur of the Renaissance
Built between 1537 and 1555, the Château d'Écouen rises majestically in the heart of a game-filled forest, a natural setting that reflects the prestige of its patron, the powerful Duke Anne of Montmorency. Friend of the great monarchs of the time, he made this castle a symbol of power and refinement, like the princely residences of the Renaissance.
An exceptional museum
From 1977, the castle is the seat of the National Renaissance Museum, a must-see place for art and history enthusiasts. The permanent collections bring together masterpieces of decorative arts, painting and sculpture, illustrating the abundant creativity of this period. Among the key pieces, the famous Hanging of David and Bathsheba is a must-see, although temporarily put on hold due to restoration work.
Undergoing renovation
Visitors will be able to enjoy the exceptional setting of the estate and its park, accessible free of charge all year round. However, it should be noted that due to the restoration work on courtyard facades (2023-2026), some rooms of the museum are closed and fragile works are being sheltered. This renovation project, while modernizing the infrastructure, guarantees the preservation of this architectural jewel for future generations.
Practical information 📍
- Museum hours:
Open every day except Tuesday, 1er January and December 25.
From 9:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and from 14:00 p.m. to 17:15 p.m. (until 17:45 p.m. from April 16 to September 30). - Park hours:
Open every day (including Tuesday), from 8:00 a.m. to 18:00 p.m. (until 19:15 p.m. from April 30 to September XNUMX). - Entry fee :
Full price: € 5,00
Reduced rate: €3,50 (currently applied during the works)
Free for all on the first Sunday of every month.
The ticket allows access to the permanent collections and may be increased during temporary exhibitions.
More information : National Renaissance Museum
The Château d'Écouen continues to amaze with its historical and artistic heritage, offering a journey through time through one of the richest periods in French history.