Peeking out from behind the MUMED, the Mus\u00e9e de la Ville de Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines awaits. It stands as a testament to the area’s transformation. This museum isn’t just a repository of artifacts. It’s a vibrant chronicle of a community’s evolution.
In 1977, the museum began its life as an ecomuseum. Bernard Hugo, mayor of Trappes and president of the EPA, championed its creation. He envisioned a space to safeguard the local history. The focus was on the agricultural and railway heritage. This was crucial as a new city was rising. Serge Goldberg, the EPA’s first director, also supported this vision. He knew that this territory needed more than buildings. It needed animation and socio-cultural development.
By 2002, the institution had evolved into the Mus\u00e9e de la Ville. Its focus shifted towards urban development and contemporary life. The museum became a repository of memories. These memories were linked to the construction of the new city. It showcases the urban and societal changes since the 1970s.
The Mus\u00e9e de la Ville de Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines serves twelve communes since 2016. It explores local history, lifestyles, urban planning, and architecture. Today, the museum resides on Quai Fran\u00e7ois Truffaut in Montigny-le-Bretonneux. It reopened with a renewed exhibition. The exhibition tells the story of the territory. “Il \u00e9tait une fois Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines” presents key moments. It covers prehistory to the present day. The exhibition highlights the shared history of the twelve communes.
Step inside and explore its diverse collections. Design and lifestyles form the core. These objects relate stories of young families settling in the area. They reflect the changing concept of furniture. Furniture became more ephemeral. The collection showcases stackable furniture for small spaces. It shows modern materials like plastic. Bright colors and organic shapes are present. These collections are unique in France. The Fauteuil-\u0153uf by Peter Ghyczy is displayed. The Cantilever chair by Verner Panton is also here.
The museum also holds rural artifacts from farms predating urbanization. These tools and materials depict rural life before the new city’s arrival in the 1970s. Railway-related items offer insights into Trappes’ history. Trappes was the main urbanized commune before the new city. The town had a large shunting station. It was built in 1911.
Browse through old postcards. They show the territory in the early 20th century. Discover an extensive collection of images. They document the development of the new city. Films, images, and posters depict cultural events. These include street theatre and apartment theatre.
The Mus\u00e9e de la Ville actively collects promotional brochures from developers. These brochures showcase real estate projects since the 1970s. View architectural models of public facilities. They trace the city’s origins and evolution.
Drawings, paintings, and models from artists reveal the creative process behind public art. The museum documents and illustrates eighty public artworks in situ. Together, they form an open-air sculpture museum.
The Mus\u00e9e de la Ville is more than just a museum. It’s a vital community hub. It connects residents to their past and present. As you leave, consider how this museum preserves the memory. It ensures that the story of Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines continues to be told.