Association for the Safeguard of the Museum of Medals and Antiques
The oldest French Museum…
Known nowadays as the Department of Coins, Medals and Antiques of the French national Library, the museum has unfortunately been weakened for a few years : its reduced exhibition space (540 m2) allows only a minimal part of the collections to be displayed, the resources are more than insufficient, and no publicity is made for it, even during the temporary exhibitions that have been organized. And maybe haven’t you even heard about it before ?
To save the Museum, join us !
… threatened to disappear !
The Cabinet des Médailles et Antiques is the oldest French Museum. Open since the 17th century, it started as a means to display the treasures gathered by Kings of France. For centuries, collections of the highest grade (Caylus’ antiques, duke of Luynes donation, Froehner collection …) and French Revolution (Saint-Denis treasure …) have entered the museum. It is today particularly rich in Greek Ceramics, Glyptic, Coins, Roman Sculptures, gold and silver jewels and treasures, bronzes from every period, and all these collections make references in there areas.
The future of the Cabinet des Médailles et Antiques is now raising growing concerns. The renovation project for the National Library of France’s Richelieu site in Paris plans the disappearance of the Museum altogether. The Association for the Safeguard of the Museum of Medals and Antiques was thus created in January 2010 to ensure its defense and to encourage its development. You are welcome to join us !
Musée du Cabinet des médailles et antiques - BnF - 58, rue de Richelieu 75002 Paris