We passed by it so many times over the years and even stop on the N175 highway to have lunch several times but never really got into City center until now ! As I think did not give it credit enough to a town I will showcase new pictures of it in my blog for you and me, Do read my other post on the town in my blog, The town of Avranches is located in the Manche dépt 50 in the region of Normandie of my belle France, Therefore, let me tell you on the Scriptorial museum of Avranches !!! Hope you enjoy the post as I.
The Scriptorial, nestled within the city walls, is the only museum in France dedicated to the presentation of medieval manuscripts, a fabulous collection originating primarily from the Mont Saint-Michel Abbey (see posts). Spanning over 1,500 square meters, it offers a glimpse into the renowned abbey during the Middle Ages and reveals the secrets of early book production. Exceptional in their richness and rarity, the Mont Saint-Michel manuscripts bear witness to the spiritual, intellectual, and artistic life of the Benedictine monks. The collection, comprising 200 manuscripts, includes sacred texts and a significant number of secular works: historical books, treatises on music, astronomy, and law, as well as works by great authors of Antiquity such as Cicero, Plato, Boethius, and especially Aristotle. The Scriptorial was built in 2006 to showcase this unique heritage.
The Scriptorial places medieval manuscripts in their historical and local context through a chronological and thematic journey that leads to the discovery of some of the original works: 12 manuscripts are displayed in the salle du Trésor or Treasury room and are rotated every three months. Thus, each year, 48 manuscripts are on view for visitors. Calligraphy, illumination, bookbinding… the journey highlights the skills of the copyist monks and the secrets of creating the first books made of parchment, inks, and colors derived from natural pigments. It allows visitors to discover the different stages of manuscript production: the making of the parchment, the composition of the inks, the preparation and layout of the page, the various forms of calligraphy, the choice of pigments and binders, the decoration and illumination, and finally, the binding. It explores the content of ancient texts from Antiquity and the Middle Ages: religious, philosophical, and scientific writings, musical treatises, historical chronicles, and more, before tracing the evolution towards printing. Masterpieces of medieval sculpture, archaeological collections, sacred objects, and works of art also tell the story of Mont Saint-Michel Abbey, founded by the Bishop of Avranches. A visit to the Scriptorial also offers the opportunity to discover the rich and fascinating ancient and medieval history of Avranches. Visitors also have access to a database of very high-definition images and can appreciate the precision and quality of calligraphy and illuminations on a large screen. The original and interactive experience is punctuated with films and digital tools. The museum also offers temporary exhibitions, educational workshops, and lecture series.
A bit of history I like tell us that the Mont Saint-Michel originated in Avranches, where the mysterious Bishop Saint Aubert was supposedly commissioned to create it. It is also in Avranches that the famous manuscripts of the copyist monks have been preserved and promoted since the French revolution, along with all the writings that recount the history of the Bay. According to the literary tradition based on the account of the “Revelation of the Church of the Archangel Saint Michael on the Mount called Tombe,” Aubert, Bishop of Avranches, founded a church dedicated to the Archangel Michael during the reign of the Frankish King Childebert. According to the Revelatio, Saint Michael appeared in person during three of Aubert’s nocturnal dreams to asked him to built the sanctuary, which was consecrated on October 16, 709.
The Scriptorial museum : http://www.scriptorial.fr/
The town of Avranches on the Scriptorial : https://www.avranches.fr/scriptorial/
The Manche dept 50 tourist office on Avranches : https://www.attitude-manche.fr/decouvrir/mont-saint-michel-normandie/avranches/
The Mont Saint Michel tourist office on Avranches : https://www.ot-montsaintmichel.com/en/discover/extend-the-discovery-of-the-bay/the-bay-of-mont-saint-michel-normandy-side/avranches-its-treasure-and-the-scriptorial/
There you go folks, now I feel better given credit to this nice Norman town on the road between my beautiful Morbihan and my dear former Versailles. A wonderful stop for all, we are glad to get to know it a bit better now. Again, hope you enjoy this post on the Scriptorial museum of Avranches !!! as I.
And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!
Paris1972-Versailles2003 