Departmental Museum of Religious Art (Musée départemental d'art religieux)
About Departmental Museum of Religious Art (Musée départemental d'art religieux)
The Departmental Museum of Religious Art occupies a 14th-century canonical house in the cathedral quarter of Sées, classified as a historic monument. Established in 1972 to preserve sacred objects from rural churches across the Orne department, the collection spans eight centuries of religious art from the Romanesque period to the present day. Over 1,300 pieces include paintings, sculptures, goldsmithery, liturgical vestments, and devotional objects. Notable treasures include 12th-century silver reliquary shrines from the Abbey of Saint-Évroult and an ivory liturgical comb that belonged to Thomas Becket. The museum opens seasonally from July to September (closed Tuesdays), with group visits available year-round by appointment. Entry is free, and guided tours can be arranged at reception.
Interesting Facts
The museum's ivory liturgical comb carries a dramatic history. After Thomas Becket was murdered in Canterbury Cathedral in 1170 on orders of King Henry II, the remorseful king built a church in Argentan (Orne) as penance and donated this comb as a relic. Priests used such combs for ritual purification before celebrating Mass.
Among the collection are a glass chalice and ciborium used for secret Catholic worship during the French Revolution's persecution of the Church (1789-1799). These fragile vessels allowed clergy to celebrate Mass in hiding, as metal liturgical objects would have revealed their purpose if discovered.
The Orne department has created a pioneering digital extension of this museum called "Hors les murs" (Beyond the Walls). Over 1,000 works have been digitized, with 300 captured in detailed 3D models, allowing virtual exploration of the collection year-round even when the physical museum is closed.
Planning Your Visit
Opening Hours
Location & Practical Info
Address
7 Place du Général de Gaulle, 61500 Sées, France
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