The museum of firefighters of France is located in the town of Montville, in Seine-Maritime, 14 km north of Rouen.
It was created in 1993 on the initiative of the former senator-mayor of the locality, André Martin.
Labeled Museum of France, the establishment is housed in a contemporary building built for this purpose, in the center of the town.
Is retraced over some 2000 m² the history of the "soldiers of fire" via documents, paintings and engravings but also a unique collection of equipment, the oldest of which date from the 18th century: hand pumps, motorized fire vehicles, helmets, uniforms. Delahaye, Somua, Berliet, De Dion-Bouton brand vehicles are thus brought together. This is enough to understand the evolution of techniques and equipment at the service of firefighters fighting against fires and other perils.
Thus, the public can admire a collection of 150 machines including 77 fire trucks, 17 mechanical ladders, 17 liaison vehicles, 13 special machines and 26 miscellaneous machines. The oldest dates from 1916. The collection of motor pumps represents more than 60 machines dating from 1890 to 1970 and finally, there are 30 hand pumps, the oldest dating from 1720.
The museum aims to be a showcase for the profession, but also of a technical and human know-how, a place of memory while being depositary of a heritage of a quite particular originality.
A souvenir shop is available. Guided tours and workshops (particularly reserved for young people) are offered.
Open all year except Mondays, January 1, May 1, November 1, November 11 and during the Christmas holidays. Price: 2 and 5 euros. Information on +33 2 35 33 13 51.
