Les Chambres des Merveilles, a special exhibition at the Château d'Angers

Until the 31st of March 2019, the Centre des Monuments Nationaux is presenting, for the very first time, "Les Chambres des Merveilles" exhibition at the Château d'Angers. This imposing edifice, built in the 13th century, was the official residence of the Counts and Dukes of Anjou, who put together important collections featuring at least 3000 rare and precious objects, including the famous tapestry of the Apocalypse.

Angers, a very unusual château with 1001 marvels

In its medieval setting of the Maine-et-Loire region, this stunning inventory reminds visitors that at the time of the Renaissance, there existed furniture pieces in which were stored all sorts of objects, named curiosities: bezoars, unicorn horns, angel stones, roses from Jericho and birds of paradise are on display for this unique occasion.

The cabinet of curiosities gathers world maps, celestial globes, dragons and mermaids. © Nadia Ktoul/CMN

Sea shells, statues, jewelry, precious stones and minerals, all presented in a well-organized serendipity. © Nadia Ktoul/CMN

A clair-obscur scenography

During the visit, you will be able to admire celestial globes, jewelry, nautilus, engravings, monsters and other natural prodigies. Since the 16th century, the lodgings of King René cultivate mysteries. The strangest things put together by man in terms of collections, medical, vegetal or geographical discoveries are displayed in an ambiance of clair-obscur scenography with a definite Haute Couture touch. A must go!

In the Cabinet of Hidden Worlds, open drawers unveil colourful renditions of submarine creatures. © Didier Plowy