Musée de la Nacre et la Tabletterie
Musée de la Nacre et de la Tabletterie at Méru, an exotic feast for the eyes !
White mother-of-pearl from Australia, grey mother-of-pearl from Tahiti, green turban shell from Singapore, abalone from the coasts of California and Mexico and top shells from New Caledonia and Indonesia - the Musée de la Nacre et de la Tabletterie at Méru is an exotic feast for the eyes !
From the 17th century onwards, to make up for the lack of agricultural work in winter, local countryfolk began making objects from mother-of-pearl, ivory, ebony, tortoiseshell and bone. The activity developed so well that it became a veritable industry at the beginning of the 20th century. Seashells wrapped in hessian arrived at the port of Le Havre and were sent by train to Méru where thousands of tiny 4-holed buttons, dominoes and fans were created by some 10,000 workers, button makers and mother-of-pearl craftsmen.
The inhabitants of Méru have kept their attachment to what was once the leading economic activity in the region. Nostalgia for the not so distant past, strong memories of the craft, the mark it left on each family gave a handful of enthusiasts the idea to preserve the collective souvenir in a place steeped in its history. The Musée de la Nacre et de la Tabletterie traces the history and perpetuates this unique craft today.
Le Musée de la Nacre et de la Tabletterie is housed in a superb, 19th century brick building and former button factory which has been totally renovated and listed as a historic monument.
Visit the museum to see the different stages in the manufacture of dominoes and buttons, as well as many collector’s items and examples of raw materials. An impressive steam generator provides energy for all the machines. All of the workshops are still operational and demonstrations take place during 2-hour guided tours which start at 15.00, 16.00 and 17.00.
The tea room overlooking the landscaped garden behind the museum is perfect for a delicious, relaxing break.
What to see and do near the Musée de la Nacre et de la Tabletterie at Méru?
Oise has not forgotten the builders, artists and craftsmen who created its wealth and their stories are told in châteaux and museums throughout the region.
For example, the Musée Moulin de la Brosserie at Saint-Félix, 20 minutes from Méru, is the last vestige of what was a major industry in Oise : brush-making using bone and wood. During the 19th century this luxury industry comprised numerous small factories in the valley of the Thérain, a small, regular-flowing tributary of the Oise. The museum is on the site of two mills whose 3 waterwheels used to supply energy to the machines which made all types of brushes. In fact, the modern toothbrush was invented in Oise ! Exported throughout the world under the brand names of Falconia and Autin, they disappeared in 1979, victims of industrial progress. Left in its original state, the factory has become a museum run by enthusiasts and volunteers.
« For lovers of pretty jewellery like me, the shop at the mother-of-pearl museum is a truly amazing place ! The rings, necklaces, bracelets, in many colours of mother-of-pearl are impossible to resist ! » Gîtes de France Oise
Discover Oise : Gerberoy, Château de Chantilly, Parc Astérix
Musée de la Nacre et de la Tabletterie opening times
The museum is open every day except Tuesday : 14.30 – 18.30. It is open on public holidays except 25 December.
How to get to the museum
The Musée de la Nacre et de la Tabletterie is only 40 minutes from Paris. Take A16 autoroute, exit n°13 (Gisors-Méru) then follow signs for centre-ville, Musée de la Nacre."
