Musée Jean Lurçat et de la Tapisserie Contemporaine

Museum in Angers

CC BY-SA 32.0 / Mith

In the heart of Angers, where history and creativity intertwine, stands one of France's most original museums — the Musée Jean Lurçat et de la Tapisserie Contemporaine. Set within the former Hôpital Saint-Jean, a magnificent 12th-century Gothic building, this museum bridges centuries of artistic expression. Its star attraction, Jean Lurçat's monumental tapestry cycle Le Chant du Monde (“The Song of the World”), transforms the stone-vaulted hall into a cathedral of color and symbolism.

For travelers intrigued by art that connects past and present, this museum is one of the top attractions in Angers. Its unique setting and thought-provoking works make it an unforgettable stop — both a reflection on humanity's struggles and a celebration of artistic resilience.

History and Significance
Things to See and Do
Practical Information
How to Get There
Is the Musée Jean Lurçat Worth Visiting?
Other Sites Nearby

History and Significance

The museum's home, the Hôpital Saint-Jean, dates back to the 12th century and is one of the best-preserved examples of medieval hospital architecture in France. Its vast Gothic hall, with ribbed vaults and graceful arches, once served as a place of healing for the city's poor and sick. In the mid-20th century, this space was reborn as a sanctuary for art, offering a dialogue between ancient stone and modern vision.

Jean Lurçat (1892–1966), a French painter and tapestry artist, created Le Chant du Monde as a contemporary response to the famous Apocalypse Tapestry housed in the nearby Château d'Angers. Composed of ten immense panels woven between 1957 and 1966, his work explores themes of war, peace, destruction, and renewal — a powerful reflection on the human condition after World War II. It's a great place to visit on a walking tour of Angers for anyone seeking to understand how the city's artistic heritage continues to evolve.

Things to See and Do

The highlight of the museum is undoubtedly Le Chant du Monde, whose vivid imagery and intricate symbolism evoke both despair and hope. Standing before the towering panels in the dimly lit Gothic hall is an immersive experience — one that feels spiritual as much as artistic. Each tapestry brims with color and movement, weaving together elements of myth, science, and human emotion.

Beyond Lurçat's masterpiece, the museum also features works by other major figures in modern tapestry, including Thomas Gleb and Josep Grau-Garriga. Their creations, displayed in the adjoining galleries, showcase the versatility and depth of textile art from the 1950s onward. Together, these exhibits reveal how tapestry evolved from medieval craftsmanship to a dynamic medium for contemporary expression.

This spot is one of the best places to see in Angers for art lovers — an ideal counterpoint to the medieval wonders of the Château d'Angers just a short walk away.

Practical Information

Best time to visit: Year-round; spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for exploring nearby sites
Entrance fee in Euros: Around €4–6; free for EU residents under 26
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, typically 10:00–18:00; closed Mondays and holidays
Official website: www.musees.angers.fr
How long to spend: 1–2 hours
Accessibility: Fully accessible for visitors with reduced mobility
Facilities: Gift shop, restrooms, and nearby cafés
Photography tip: Capture the contrast between the Gothic arches and the modern tapestries from the center of the hall
Guided tours: Offered by the Angers Museum Service; check schedule online
Nearby food options: Cafés and restaurants around Rue Toussaint and Place du Président Kennedy

How to Get There

The museum is located on Rue Saint-Jean in central Angers, just a 10-minute walk from the Château d'Angers and about 15 minutes from Angers-Saint-Laud train station. Local buses and trams stop nearby, and the area is pedestrian-friendly — perfect for exploring on foot.

Is the Musée Jean Lurçat Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Few museums offer such a powerful fusion of setting and subject. The Musée Jean Lurçat is one of the must-see places in Angers, blending medieval grandeur with contemporary vision. It's an experience that moves beyond aesthetics — inviting reflection on humanity, creativity, and the enduring power of art.

Other Sites Nearby

Château d'Angers – A medieval fortress housing the famous Apocalypse Tapestry.
Cathédrale Saint-Maurice d'Angers – A stunning Gothic cathedral overlooking the Maine River.
Musée des Beaux-Arts – Featuring European paintings, sculpture, and archaeology collections.
Maison d'Adam – A beautifully preserved timber-framed house with intricate carvings.
Jardin des Plantes – A lush botanical garden often visited on walking tours of Angers.

At the Musée Jean Lurçat, medieval stone and modern fiber meet in a harmony of light, space, and meaning. It's not just a museum — it's a dialogue between centuries, reminding visitors that art, like humanity, continues to weave its story through time.

The Musée Jean Lurçat et de la Tapisserie Contemporaine appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Angers!

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!