The concept of the museum – Musée de l’Image in Épinal is to bring a fresh perspective to the old prints, by confronting them with other more contemporary works. This is one of the museum’s particularities. In Épinal, the tradition of printing dates back to the 18th century and reached its peak during the 19th century, especially thanks to Pinot and Pellerin’s prints. Then, in 2003, the town of Épinal decided to highlight this exceptional heritage and inaugurated the museum – Musée de l’Image...
Today, the building houses one of the most important collections of popular prints in Europe. In total, more than 100,000 prints make up this collection, thanks to popular prints produced since the 18th century in France (Épinal, Orléans, Chartres, Paris, etc.), but also abroad (Germany, India, Japan, etc.).
Visiting this museum dedicated to prints will of course allow you to discover the history of popular prints from the 18th century to today, but also to see other forms of art, such as painting, photography and musical, literary and theatrical works etc. from all periods. Since its opening, the museum has given itself the challenge to question the sometime humorous, sentimental and improbable links that exist between past and contemporary prints. A relationship that sheds light on our society and its evolution since the 19th century and that allows you to take a look at contemporary art.
Offering imaginative and varied exhibitions all year long, the museum has become not only a reference point for popular prints, but also for the way in which these historical collections can be interrogated and understood, and the same goes for contemporary art. So, do not wait any longer, you can now learn about the past history of Épinal, one of the greatest cultural pride.
