It would be unreasonable to visit the former city of Mother-of-Pearl and Tableware without seeing one of its most prestigious monuments, and discover collections that are unique in the French museum landscape! At the Museum of Mother-of-Pearl and Tableware, you’ll plunge into the world of 21st-century button makers and tableware makers, crafts that are on the verge of extinction.The Museum of Mother-of-Pearl and Tableware was once pure fantasy. Built between 1857 and 1887, the building that houses the Museum of Mother-of-Pearl and Tableware was originally a mechanized factory in the Méru valley. This architectural monument, rich in history, was listed as a Historic Monument in 1994, but has been restored almost in its entirety, not only to save the factory, but also to create a welcoming setting for the Museum of Mother-of-Pearl and Tableware.
1 – ACTIVITIES AT THE MUSEUM OF MOTHER-OF-PEARL AND TABLEWARE
From the moment you enter the Museum of Mother-of-Pearl and Tableware, you’ll be in a world far removed from everyday life.
Ancient, artistic and industrial, this museum is a discovery not to be missed.
Surrounded by horn, scales, ivory, etc., demonstration guides will accompany you to discover how mother-of-pearl buttons are made in a faithfully reconstructed button-making workshop. You’ll be exposed to unique pieces such as binoculars, cutlery, cult objects and more.
2 – INTERESTING WORKSHOPS
The museum is located in the Hauts-de-France region, in the commune of Méru. The Museum of Mother-of-Pearl and Tableware is the cradle of a long-forgotten industry, combining the industrial and the artistic. Conceived as a living museum, the institution works to preserve the activity of the last table makers.
The aim is not only to preserve history, but also to guarantee the transmission of know-how that is in danger of being forgotten.
Today, in the Museum of Mother-of-Pearl’s workshops, the mission is to keep alive the knowledge of mother-of-pearl craftsmanship.
These workshops produce traditional objects such as dominoes, fans and buttons, which are used to perpetuate the customs of the past.
The museum’s workshops also produce new objects, created by combining old and new techniques.
The skills and know-how shared in these workshops are highly beneficial to the restoration of ancient works of art in the four corners of Europe.
The invaluable and uncommon advice offered by the museum’s specialists is aimed at those wishing to embellish, fabricate or repair particular pieces.
3 – THE MUSEUM OF MOTHER-OF-PEARL AND TABLEWARE STORES
Enjoy an array of wonderful jewelry and objects at the Museum of Mother-of-Pearl and Tableware. Imagined and created by mother-of-pearl and tableware artists, these objects are crafted from the materials of yesteryear.
Ebony, horn and mother-of-pearl to delight your eyes. You’ll be impressed by the beauty of these colorful, transparent and dazzling materials.
The boutique also features French creations from the Museum of Mother-of-Pearl and Tableware: jewelry, ornaments, domino games and tableware.
If you’re looking for an exceptional gift idea, you’ve found an exceptional treasure.
4 – THE COLLECTIONS OF THE MUSEUM OF MOTHER-OF-PEARL AND TABLEWARE
The Museum of Mother-of-Pearl and Tableware boasts an array of rare and unique objects.
Among the pieces that make up the beauty of the institution are antique machines designed to be used and put into operation, notably button-makers’ machines, technical equipment and raw materials. This is an industrial collection that makes the museum unique.
The collections also include pieces produced by table makers.
Diverse and varied, these pieces differ thematically, chronologically, typologically and geographically.
Some objects, such as fans, are so fragile that they have to be displayed in rotation to avoid any deterioration.
The Museum of Mother-of-Pearl and tableware benefits from a wealth of resources thanks to the commitment of many players.
5 – LATEST ACQUISITIONS:
The continuous enrichment of the museum, through appropriate acquisitions, comes from judicious purchasing decisions as well as donations and deposits from museums.
The Museum of Mother-of-Pearl and Tableware’s originality and relevance are guaranteed by this ongoing enrichment.
With a mission to exhibit and preserve, the institution pays tribute to the region’s specialty. A specialty that, for some time now, has been forgotten, to make way for new ones.
The Museum of Mother-of-Pearl and Tableware’s mission is to preserve this unique and now rare tradition and know-how.
The aim is also to perpetuate the artisan skills of this heritage and pass them on to the next generation.
The Museum of Mother-of-Pearl and Tableware has made some very interesting new acquisitions. Indeed, the museum has acquired a set of fans from the Michel Maignan collection, as well as a set of buttons by Henri HAMM in 2019.
This perpetual renewal is the result of a collective effort.
6 – OUR OFFERS
At the Hôtel de la Tabletterie, we can help you plan your visit. Different routes are possible, and wherever you are, we’ll be there to support you.
In fact, our establishment offers a wide range of services to complement your stay. Need a guide for your outings?
We’re here to provide you with the itineraries you need to reach your destination.
Our personalized service will help you rent a van and hire a driver.
So don’t hesitate to discover the beauty of the most beautiful monuments that make our city so unique.
The team at Hotel de la Tabletterie goes to great lengths to ensure the satisfaction of even the most demanding guests. The multitude of services offered by our establishment makes all our visitors happy.