How about stepping back in time to the late 15th century? We are standing before the Musèe Tavet Delacour. This building offers a glimpse into the past. It is a rare example of late Gothic civic architecture. Once it was the home of the Vicar-General of Pontoise.
The Musèe Tavet Delacour was founded in 1889. Mr. Tavet was one of the town’s archaeological society founders. He suggested the town move its collections here. He wanted to add to them through donations. He also wanted to renovate the building.
Look at the building’s features. Notice the corner turrets. Admire the pepper-pot roofs. See the mullioned windows. Imagine the interior with its exposed beams. The Musèe Tavet Delacour reminds some of the Hôtel de Cluny in Paris. A prominent staircase tower divides the facade in two. The layout of the rooms revolves around the central staircase.
During the French Revolution the Church sold this building. It became a préfecture then a civil court. The Musèe Tavet Delacour preserves the town’s historical collections. These include a set of doors commissioned by an abbess from Maubuisson in the 17th century. There are also lapidary fragments. These came from demolished churches and convents during the Revolution. You can even find a leg of Catherine de’ Medici. A tooth falsely attributed to Henri IV is here too. Don’t miss the Art Nouveau ceramics. They were acquired during the 1900 Universal Exposition. The Cabinet d’art graphique holds works from the 16th century to the present day.
In 1968, the museum received a donation. It was from the studio of Otto Freundlich a master of modern art. The Musèe Tavet Delacour has continued to grow. It now includes works by Henri Matisse and Hans Arp. You can also find pieces by Gleizes and Geer van Velde. Other artists include Aurelie Nemours and Masurovsky. Don’t forget Shirley Goldfarb and Jean Legros. Roger Chastel and Diego Giacometti are represented too. Herbin Valmier Reichel Fleischmann Gargallo and Marcelle Cahn also feature.
The historical collections were gathered in the late 19th century. The Otto Freundlich donation enriched them in 1968. The museum’s collection is the most important collection of his work in the world. The Musèe Tavet Delacour has specialized in modern and contemporary art. It has acquired or received donations of works by many artists. The Musèe Tavet Delacour is closed temporarily for renovation. Once it reopens be sure to visit. It offers a unique glimpse into art and history.