At a glance
Renovated in 2024, the museum offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the fascinating history of Île de Ré and Saint-Martin-de-Ré.
Musee Ernest Cognacq Hall Saint Martin Ile De Re Yann Werdefroy
|
History of the site
The historic building is the ‘Hôtel de Clerjotte’, which was a military arsenal in Saint-Martin-de-Ré until the 20th century. Listed as a Historic Monument in 1929, it was used by the Navy for some years, before being ceded to the village in the 1950s, and turned into the museum.
The ‘Hôtel de Clerjotte’ dates from around 1470-1480. and was built by Louis Clergeat, a tax collector for Île de Ré under Charles of France, Duke of Guyenne, who held the title ‘Lord of the island’ in reference to Île de Ré. Louis Clergeat is said to have given the house its name: ‘la maison de Clergeatte’. The main building is flanked by a tower from this period with a spiral staircase and a Flamboyant Gothic-style door.
The art and history collections comprise archaeological artefacts and objets d’art, which attest to the development of a flourishing economy based on wine growing and salt production. The museum is fun and educational for both children and adults, and will appeal to all those who love history and art.
Ernest Cognacq
Born in Saint-Martin-de-Ré in 1839, Ernest Cognacq lost his father at the age of 12 and worked as a travelling salesman before moving to Paris.
After several setbacks, he founded the Paris department store La Samaritaine, with his wife Marie-Louise Jay, and it revolutionised retail in Paris.
Deeply attached to Île de Ré, he established the Musée Ernest Cognacq in Saint-Martin-de-Ré in 1907. A philanthropist and collector, he also bequeathed significant art collections to the City of Paris before his death in 1928.
Musee Ernest Cognacq Bureau Salon Violet Saint Martin Ile De Re Yann Werdefroy
|
Musee Ernest Cognacq Siege Ile Saint Martin Ile De Re Yann Werdefroy
|
A tip for your visit
To fully appreciate the subjects covered in the museum, start by crossing the road to the former citadel in Saint-Martin-de-Ré, which became a penal colony and then a prison, and is still in operation today.
Then head to the museum and begin your visit on the first floor. This section tells the story of how Île de Ré came into existence.
Finally, visit the following rooms to discover more specific aspects of the island, notably earthenware collections, old photographs and the history of the penal colony, a key chapter in Saint-Martin-de-Ré’s past.
Did you know?
Musée Ernest Cognacq perfectly complements the exhibition at Musée du Platin (in La Flotte), which addresses the maritime traditions and heritage of Île de Ré.
Year-round events
Throughout the year, Musée Ernest Cognacq offers a wide range of events, which always enhance the visitor experience.
With regular events every month, the museum offers visitors the opportunity to discover other aspects of the island’s history in an entertaining way, in the form of lectures by historians or specialists, or thanks to important dates. The subjects covered are all equally fascinating.
During the school holidays, the museum offers a wide range of workshops for children, called ‘les ateliers Ré-créations du musée’! The only rule: have fun while learning!
There’s always a good reason to (Ré)turn to the museum!
Prepare your visit
Prices
Full price: €5 per person
Reduced rate: €3 per person
Free admission for children up to 18 years of age, people with reduced mobility, jobseeker discount card holders, Friends of Musée Ernest Cognacq, and on every first Sunday of the month.
Did you like this content? Please share it with others!
