Musee de la Ceramique (Ceramics Museum), Rouen

The Ceramics Museum offers a deep dive into the history of faience with a collection of over 6,000 pieces. Rouen was once a major production hub for faience, known for its distinctive decorations that gained international acclaim. This local craft thrived as a full-fledged industry until the late 18th century.

The museum's collection showcases notable Rouen faience from the 16th to the 18th centuries, along with works from other key French and international production centers. Among the highlights are Masséot Abaquesne's tiles, Poterat's blue camaïeu, colorful rocaille chinoiseries, grand display sets, and impressive faience sculptures. The collection extends into the 19th century, and contemporary ceramic art exhibitions are regularly hosted.

Visitors can also explore the ceramics production process, from preparing the clay to decoration, firing, and glazing. Notable pieces include the pavement room with 220 tiles from the chapel of La Bâtie Ufré near Saint-Etienne, crafted in Rouen around 1557 by Masséot Abaquesne's workshop. Other treasures include a Delft faience violin found by a Parisian collector in the 19th century and two large spheres by Pierre II Chapelle-a terrestrial and a celestial globe, each standing 147 cm tall with a 45 cm diameter, dating back to 1725.

Housed in the former Hôtel d’Hocqueville, the museum maintains the elegant and captivating atmosphere of this traditional craft. Admission to the permanent exhibitions is free, as with all museums under the Réunion des Musées Métropolitains Rouen Normandie.