The Historical Figurine Museum is located in Compiègne, in Oise.
Its collection, unique in its kind, was initiated in 1927 following the combination of two bequests made to the city: the first was due to Arthur de Marsy in 1901, and consisted of polychrome wooden soldiers made by Jean -Baptiste Clémence at the end of the 18th century. The second was made by Alfred Ternisien in 1927, comprising several thousand figurines representing the armies of History. In total, nearly 30,000 figurines were then gathered at the Town Hall.
In 1931, the ensemble was enriched with an exceptional diorama dedicated to the Battle of Waterloo created by Charles Laurent.
The first real museum was opened in 1949, after an exceptional exhibition in 1948 encouraged figurine specialists to multiply donations... In 1977, the museum was transferred to the Hôtel de la Cloche, which adjoins the city Hall. After renovations, it reopened in 1984.
Today, the collection contains 155,000 pieces, 45,000 of which are on display. Via figurines, models and reconstructions, whole sections of the past ranging from Antiquity to the first steps of Man on the moon are explained in an original way and allow us to approach history, in particular military, in a singular way... and a a bit playful. For autan, many pieces also turn out to be true works of art.
In order to showcase the collections, a project to transfer the museum to the site of the Ecole d'Etat Major is under consideration.
Animations, temporary exhibitions and workshops are regularly programmed. Open everyday save Monday. Price: 3 and 4 euros. Information on +33 3 44 20 26 04.
