Musée de l'Echevinage

The Musée de l'Echevinage is an art museum housed in a listed historic building with a distinctive domed tower and displays paintings spanning from the 15th to 20th centuries. The structure itself is an architectural landmark that contributes to the character of Saintes.

The building began as the Town Hall during the Old Regime and was redesigned in the mid-16th century with the addition of its distinctive dome and lantern tower. This transformation made it one of Saintes' most visible landmarks.

The collection features works by painters from the Saintonge and Bordeaux schools, showing how local artists explored romantic and realist subjects during the 1800s. These paintings tell the story of artistic tastes that took root in this French region.

The museum is located in the old town and is easily accessible on foot. Visitors can explore the collection at their own pace or join guided tours to learn more about the artworks and the building's history.

The museum features a dedicated gallery space focused on artworks depicting childhood and children, including paintings by well-known artists like Carolus Duran and Henri Geoffroy. This thematic focus offers an unexpected window into how painters of that era approached this subject.