Origins and History of the Museum
The Musée des Ursulines is situated in Mâcon, France. The history of this site began in 1615 when Bishop Gaspard Dinet brought the Ursulines to the city. The current convent was constructed between 1675 and 1680 on the plateau de la Baille to accommodate the order.
The function of the building changed significantly during the Revolution when it was requisitioned by public authorities. In 1793, the site was utilized as a prison, a period during which the father of Lamartine was incarcerated within its walls. Following this, the building was converted into a military barracks in 1796. It maintained this military use until 1929.
The Building and its Architecture
The museum is housed within the former Couvent des Ursulines, located at 5 rue de la Préfecture in Mâcon, France. The structure was built between 1675 and 1680 on the plateau de la Baille. Its historical significance is recognized through its registration as a monument historique, a status granted in 1929 and again in 1962. The site has transitioned from a religious institution to a military barracks and a prison before its current function. It has been open to the public as a museum since 1968.
The interior layout is organized across three distinct levels. These levels accommodate the various collections, ranging from archaeological finds to fine arts. The architectural framework provides a chronological setting for the works on display, moving from the ground floor through the upper galleries. The building's layout allows for a structured progression through different historical periods and artistic movements.
Archaeology and Ethnography Collections
The museum's holdings encompass archaeology, ethnography, and fine arts. The archaeological section provides a perspective on the territory from the era of the Celts through the Middle Ages. This specific area of the collection underwent a renovation in 2022 to improve the presentation of these historical remains.
Beyond the archaeological findings, the museum maintains a dedicated space for the literary and political works of Alphonse de Lamartine (1790-1869). This section focuses on the intellectual and civic contributions of the figure to the region. The ethnographic collections further contribute to the understanding of local history and social development within the Mâcon area.
Fine Arts Collections and Movements
The fine arts collection at the Musée des Ursulines spans from the 16th century through to contemporary art. The holdings include 17th-century genre scenes and landscapes from the Northern school. This period is represented by works such as the large panel La Visitation – La Présentation au Temple by Anthonis van Blockland (1532-83).
The museum's 17th and 18th-century selections focus on French portraits and mythological figures. Moving into the 19th century, the collection emphasizes landscape painting and the Symbolist movement. This era is further represented by the works of Gaston Bussiere, including Isolde: The Celt Princess (1911) and Joan of Arc (1908).
The 20th-century holdings transition into post-Cubist and abstract-geometric art. These modern movements are represented by several artists, including:
Masterpieces of the Collection
The fine arts collection features significant works from the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly within the Symbolist and landscape traditions. Gaston Bussiere is a central figure in these holdings, represented by several large-scale compositions including Isolde: The Celt Princess, about 1911, and Tristan and Iseult, 1895. His depictions of mythological and legendary figures, such as The Blonde Yseult, about 1900, and Joan of Arc, about 1908, provide a study of the Symbolist movement's interest in narrative and character.
Landscape painting is represented by diverse perspectives and techniques. Claude Monet’s Footbridge at Zaandam, about 1871, offers a specific view of Dutch architecture and light. In contrast, Felix Ziem’s The Bosphorus, 1856, captures a different atmospheric quality. Other notable landscapes include Marie-Auguste Flameng’s Village Lane, 1887, and the works of Adolphe Appian, such as Les marais de Rossillon.
The museum also maintains several formal portraits and genre scenes. Léon Bonnat’s Portrait de M. Delarue, architecte provides a precise likeness of the professional subject. The collection is further composed of:
- The Bosphorus, 1856 - Felix Ziem
- Tristan and Iseult, 1895 - Gaston Bussiere
- Village Lane, 1887 - Marie-Auguste Flameng
- Joan of Arc, about 1908 - Gaston Bussiere
Visiting Information and Hours
The Musée des Ursulines maintains regular opening hours from Tuesday to Saturday, operating from 10:00 to 12:30 and again from 14:00 to 18:00. On Sundays and public holidays, the museum is open during the afternoon session from 14:00 to 18:00. Visitors should note that the institution is closed on Mondays.
Specific seasonal and holiday closures apply to the museum's schedule. The facility remains closed on January 1, May 1, July 14, November 1, and December 25. Additionally, the museum does not open on the Tuesdays following Easter and Pentecost. These closures ensure the preservation of the collections and the building itself.
For those traveling through the region by bicycle, the museum is an Accueil Vélo site. This designation indicates that the establishment is prepared to welcome cyclists as part of its commitment to local tourism and accessibility. The museum is located at 5 rue de la Préfecture in Mâcon, France.
