The Château des Ducs de Bourbon in Montluçon, France, has fully opened to the public as a museum after 18 months of restoration, allowing visitors to explore its upper floors for the first time. The project, which began on January 15, 2024, and completed on July 1, 2025, culminated in the castle’s reopening on November 11, 2025.
Main events
The restoration included archaeological excavations and the addition of a contemporary extension featuring an entrance hall, shop, changing rooms, and restrooms accessible from the esplanade. Costing 5.2 million euros, the works focused on restoring facades and roofs, integrating technical equipment, and reorganizing interior spaces to host exhibitions.
Key details
The new museum emphasizes the history of Montluçon and its basin across various epochs, covering geology, archaeology, the fortified city, industrial growth, and city views. It features permanent collections alongside temporary exhibitions, with the inaugural temporary show dedicated to photographer Robert Doisneau.
History
The castle has served multiple purposes over time: as a private residence, tribunal, theater, café, and military barracks. In the 1930s, initial restorations restored elements like the covered gallery. It became the first municipal museum in 1959, later functioning as municipal reserves for local history, fine arts, and music from 2013 to 2023, with a documentation center. Temporary exhibitions began in the ground-floor rooms in 2019, and the full rehabilitation project was launched by the municipality in 2020 to reposition the castle as a central heritage site.
Visiting information
During low season (September 1 to February 28), the castle is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In high season (April 1 to August 31), it operates Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with an annual closure in March. Admission is 6.50 euros full price, free for children under 6, and 4 euros reduced. For more information visit https://cdb.montlucon.fr/
Source: actu.fr
