- Castle of the Dukes of Brittany

The Nantes History Museum, awarded the Musée de France quality mark, is housed in the 15th century buildings.

Intended for a wide audience, its contemporary layout is designed to reflect the best of the monument and the objects displayed there.

Its collections are exhibited chronologically and thematically, and occupy 32 rooms, from the attics to the basement. Interspersed with a number of multimedia installations, it is based on the exhibition of over 800 historic items.

It is this concept that was chosen to orchestrate the dialogue between the Castle and the objects in its museum.

Drawing on the resources of the collection and of the Castle itself, the exhibition guides the visitor in an exploration of the history of the site and of Nantes, with its dual identity as a city of Brittany and of the estuary.

Its location in the historic heart of the city, and its architecture, with its many transformations, make the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany the ideal instrument for understanding the city and its evolution. The Castle is, of course, the "No. 1 object" in the museum's collection.

The permanent exhibition in the former ducal palace offers a double interest, architectural and historical.

Blended discreetly into the building, adapted to its different spaces and to visitor traffic, the museum highlights the elements which bring out the Castle's unique character and complexity.

Specially designed lighting and signage reveal some remarkable features: fire chambers, gargoyles, coats of arms, stone window seats, fireplaces, windows, graffiti left by prisoners...