The History Gallery

This gallery illustrates important events in the history of Cholet and its region from the Gallo-Roman period to the First World War. The main emphasis is on the Vendée wars, fought between Catholic/Royalist and Republican armies at the end of the 18th century.

Of special interest is the room devoted to the commanders of the Vendée forces: Cathelineau, Lescure, Henri de la Rochejacquelein, Charette, Bonchamps, etc. The fighting between “whites” and “blues”, then the Virée de Galerne and later episodes in the conflict (the uprisings of 1815, the rebellion led by the Duchesse de Berry in 1832) are illustrated by monumental canvases, weapons, archive material, flags, artefacts and eye-witness accounts. 

The Art Gallery

The Art Gallery features paintings dating from the 16th century to the present day.

The first rooms illustrate the principal genres of academic painting: historical events, mythology, religious subjects, landscapes and portraiture, represented by such masters as Jean-Honoré Fragonard, Carl Van Loo, Antoine Coypel, Jean-Marc Nattier and Noël Hallé.

20th-century painting and sculpture is well covered, particularly the abstract art of the last 100 years, from Cubism to the present day. The artists featured include Thorvald Hellesen, Georges Valmier, Auguste Herbin, Victor Vasarely, Aurélie Nemours, Jean Gorin, François Morellet and Michel Jouët, all representing one of the major artistic trends of our time.

Entrez dans la cour des grands

An operation launched in 2009 by the Anjou and Touraine tourism committees, Entrez dans la Cour des Grands is an invitation to families with children aged between 7 and 12 to discover tourist sites in an original way.

Does the artist represent reality?
The Musée d'Art et d'Histoire poses this question, pointing out that, when viewing an image, we should not always judge by appearances. The artist is often seeking to communicate a message through his work. The composition, choice of colours and other elements help convey his or her own ideas or those he/she is required to express.

Have fun interpreting the pictures exhibited! A booklet of games and other activities provide keys to the secrets of the artists represented in the various galleries.

Admission charges: adults €3.20, children free of charge. Free admittance to all on Saturdays from 1 October to 31 May.

» More information available from: Entrez dans la cour des grands

GRAV Labyrinth