Cutlery Museum, Cutlery museum in Thiers, France.
The Cutlery Museum in Thiers houses around 700 knives and cutting tools displayed across two historic buildings located in the medieval town center. The collections show how knife-making techniques and styles evolved from the 16th century to the present day.
The museum was founded in 1982 and absorbed collections from the earlier Barante Museum, which operated from 1924 to 1981. This transition preserved generations of local knife-making knowledge that had shaped the city's cutlery identity.
The name Thiers derives from the Latin word for courtyard, reflecting the medieval layout of the town. Craftspeople continue to demonstrate how knives are shaped and sharpened using methods passed down through generations in this region.
The museum is located in the medieval old town and is easily accessible on foot, with signage to guide visitors through both buildings. Plan to spend about 1 to 2 hours for a comfortable walk through the collection and workshops.
Some of the most precious pieces in the collection feature mother-of-pearl, ivory, and gold inlays from different time periods. These finely crafted knives reveal how Thiers produced not just functional blades but also art objects using luxurious materials.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
