The Jean-Claude-Boulard Museum - Carré Plantagenêt, in Le Mans, traces the archaeological history of Sarthe from prehistory to the end of the Middle Ages. In autumn 2026, the permanent route closed for a complete redevelopment, so the usual collections are no longer accessible in their traditional presentation.
Final exhibition before the work
Until 31 October 2026, visitors can still see the temporary exhibition Peindre la lumière, le vitrail en Sarthe (XIXe-XXIe siècles). It is the final offering accessible before the closure for the building work.
Rideau ! La fête au Carré
On Saturday 31 October 2026, the museum is organising Rideau ! La fête au Carré, from 15:00 to 21:00, with surprises announced by the Tourist Office. The day marks the closing of the doors and the start of the complete redesign of the route.
The collections that define the museum
Carré Plantagenêt preserves objects that tell the history of the area: the Cenomani coin hoard, the Vénus de Rextugenos, a glass drinking horn, the so-called Saint-Bertrand shroud, the Coëffort treasure and the Plantagenet enamel. The permanent route was organised into five periods, from prehistory to medieval Maine.
Good to know before you visit
- The temporary exhibition ends on 31 October 2026.
- After this date, the museum closes to redesign its route; check official announcements before planning a later visit.
Carré Plantagenêt is therefore in a period of transition: a final exhibition devoted to stained glass precedes the transformation of its archaeological route.
