Musée du Nouveau Monde

Museum in La Rochelle

The Musée du Nouveau Monde in La Rochelle offers a compelling exploration of France’s historical ties with the Americas, housed within the elegant 18th-century Hôtel Fleuriau. This mansion, once owned by merchant Aimé-Benjamin Fleuriau who profited from a sugar plantation in Saint-Domingue (now Haiti), provides a poignant backdrop to the museum’s extensive collections. Established in 1982, the museum was among the first in France to openly address the nation’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, presenting artifacts and narratives that illuminate this complex history.

The museum’s collections encompass over 2,000 items, including paintings, engravings, sculptures, maps, and decorative arts that trace the cultural exchanges between France and the New World. Exhibits delve into the colonization of the Americas, the experiences of indigenous peoples, and the economic and cultural impacts of transatlantic trade. Noteworthy displays feature original maps, navigational instruments, and artworks that illustrate the dynamic interactions between Europe and the Americas.

Visitors can explore themed rooms that chronicle various aspects of this shared history, from the early explorations and the fur trade to the Haitian Revolution and the abolitionist movements. The museum also highlights the artistic representations of the Americas through European eyes, offering insights into the perceptions and myths that shaped colonial endeavors. Interactive exhibits and educational programs further enrich the visitor experience, making the museum a vital resource for understanding the multifaceted legacy of France’s engagement with the New World.

The Musée du Nouveau Monde appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting La Rochelle!

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Visiting Musée du Nouveau Monde

Hours:

Summer: Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 10am-6pm, Saturdays 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Winter: Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays 10am-12:30pm / 1:30pm-5:30pm, Saturdays 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Mondays closed

Price:

€8

Address: Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle, Rue Fleuriau, La Rochelle, France

Official Website