The château was built between 1539 and 1555 for Anne de Montmorency, the Connétable de France or Grand Constable, chief minister and commander of the French army for King Francois I, and later for Henri II. It contains important collections of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, stained glass, furniture, textiles and other artistic works of the French Renaissance. The château remained in the Montmorency family until 1632, when it became the property of the Bourbon-Condé branch of the royal family.
Some striking examples of the original decorations remain in the state rooms on the first floor, particularly the cabinet of the apartments of the King in the north wing and the library of the Constable, located over the chapel.
In 1862, the château was declared a Monument historique. In 1969 it was proposed the château become the home of the collection of Renaissance art which had been collected at the Cluny Museum, and in 1977 it opened as the French National Museum of the Renaissance.
The Écouen museum shows Italian Renaissance works created after 1400 and other works after 1500. Watch out for stunning stained glass works, rich tapestries, fantastic paintings, and an interesting collection of furniture and wooden panelling. Not to mention the ceramics, enamels, jewellery, and the gold- and silversmithing works. Oh, and did we mention the arms and armour collection or the collection of scientific instruments?
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Address: 95440 Écouen, Val-d’Oise, France
This attraction is included in your Paris City Pass
Free admission to Paris's museums, attractions, and tours. Discounts included.
incl. VAT and service fees, excl. shipping fees
