Grand Atelier, Museum of Art and Industry
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Grand Atelier - by Xavier Bourlet on Google





Description
The Grand Atelier is a museum of art and industry housed in the assembly and workshop areas of the former Manufacture d'Armes (weapons manufacturing) complex of Châtellerault, in the Vienne department. There are three exhibition spaces: Auto Moto Velo (car, motorbikes, cycles) displaying over 200 vehicles from the last two centuries, the Cabaret du Chat Noir with memorabilia from the namesake Montmartre cabaret and shadow theatre (created by a local entrepreneur), and a section documenting the industrial and social history of the complex.
Access & Transport
The museum is near the centre of town, next to the Pont Camille de Hogues and 1.5km from the train station. The town is 30km northeast of Poitiers and 70km south of Tours. It is served directly by the A10 expressway and the Paris to Poitiers train line (not the LGV).
Instructions & Recommendations
Note the reduced opening hours most of the year (afternoons only and closure on Mondays and sometimes Tuesday) + the annual seasonal closure in Jan and early Feb.
Environmental & Social
Housed in a repurposed industrial complex so only marginal carbon footprint. Socially neutral.
Conclusion
The museum blends some cultural aspects (history of the complex) and a more classic car & bike collections that, without being exceptional, is nonetheless interesting. Worth a stop if Châtellerault is on your way but we would not make a significant detour for it.
Key positive
Enjoyable car and cycle collection
Low/no admission fee
Key negative
No standout items
Suitability
Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility and suitable for all ages
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 45m
est. visit time:1h 30m
Start of Season 1:Jul, 01
MONDAY -
TUESDAY14:00 - 19:00
WEDNESDAY14:00 - 19:00
THURSDAY14:00 - 19:00
FRIDAY14:00 - 19:00
SATURDAY14:00 - 19:00
SUNDAY14:00 - 19:00
Start of Season 2:Sep, 01
MONDAY -
TUESDAY -
WEDNESDAY14:00 - 18:00
THURSDAY14:00 - 18:00
FRIDAY14:00 - 18:00
SATURDAY14:00 - 18:00
SUNDAY14:00 - 18:00