Musée Le Secq des Tournelles
About This Museum
Tucked away in the heart of Rouen, the Musée Le Secq des Tournelles presents a surprising and magnificent collection where history is forged in iron. It all began in the late 19th century when the Le Secq family donated their vast private hoard, saving countless pieces of pre-industrial metalwork from being lost or melted down. Today, you'll find everything from delicate Renaissance keyholes to imposing shop signs that once creaked over cobbled streets. The sheer artistry on display, from a lace-like wrought iron balcony to a whimsical corkscrew, completely transforms your perception of this humble material.
Collection Highlights
Look up to see a stunning array of ornate wrought iron shop signs—a massive pair of spectacles, a golden stag—that once identified businesses. Don't miss the exquisite collection of locks and keys, some intricate enough to be jewelry, nor the everyday objects like toast holders and tobacco cutters that reveal the quiet beauty of bygone domestic life.
Visitor Information
It's located at 2 Rue Jacques Villon and is an easy walk from the Rouen Cathedral. The atmosphere inside is wonderfully hushed and cool, a perfect respite on a busy day of sightseeing.
Architecture & Building
The museum is housed within the deconsecrated Church of Saint-Laurent, a beautiful flamboyant Gothic structure dating from the 16th century, so the soaring stone arches and ancient stained glass provide a breathtaking backdrop for the metalwork.
Contact & Location
Address: Musée Le Secq des Tournelles, 2, Rue Jacques Villon, Vieux-Marché-Cathédrale, Quartier Vieux-Marché Cathédrale, Rouen, Seine-Maritime, Normandie, France métropolitaine, 76000, France
Phone: +33 2 35 71 28 40
Website: Visit Website
