The "Au fil du papier" museum is located in the town of Pont-à-Mousson, in Meurthe-et-Moselle, 29 km north-west of Nancy.
A municipal establishment, it opened its doors in 1999 and is housed in the Maison de la Monnaie, a 16th century Renaissance style mansion protected as a historical monument.
It is dedicated to the history of the city which was the seat of the University of Lorraine from 1572 and has a unique specificity in France, in this case a collection resulting from the installation in 1872 at Pont-à-Mousson of a papier-mâché object manufacturing factory.
Via objects, works of art and numerous lithographs, in particular colored images, again reflecting a section of local know-how and history, the museum retraces the past of the city, that of its university (which was established until 1768 and justified that engravers and printers settled in the city) while presenting a number of paper or cardboard objects, some very sophisticated, others used on a daily basis.
Among the major pieces, noteworthy are works by Jacques Callot, a 1st century votive altar in stones from quarries in the region, plates of 17th century engravings signed in particular by Claude la Ruelle or a wooden statue from the 17th century representing the Virgin of the Escholiers and a marble bust of Trouard de Riolle, the last royal mayor of the city, attributed to Jean-Antoine Houdon (1741-1828).
More recently, finally, a room was opened devoted to the history of the foundries which marked the contemporary history of Pont-à-Mousson.
Open every day except Tuesday and January 1, Easter Sunday, May 1, July 14, November 1, December 25. Price: 2.30 and 4.70 euros. Information on +33 3 83 87 80 14.
