Musée du Président François Mitterrand, Presidential gift museum in Château-Chinon, France.
The Musée du Président François Mitterrand displays official gifts given to President Mitterrand during his two terms in office, including ceramics, glassware, silverware, drawings, paintings, and tapestries. The collection spans works from different countries and artistic traditions.
The museum opened in 1986 inside a converted 18th-century Sainte-Claire convent. A second building was added in 1988 following Mitterrand's reelection.
The collection shows diplomatic gifts from world leaders and French organizations, reflecting traditional craftsmanship from many cultures. Visitors see how France connected with other nations through precious objects made from ceramics, glass, and fabrics.
The museum closes every Tuesday and has different opening hours by season. It operates from 10 AM to 6 PM with a midday break from noon to 2 PM when open.
One striking gift is an oak tree presented by Queen Elizabeth II for the president's birthday. The museum also displays a reproduction of the helmet once worn by King Charles VI.
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