MUDO - MUSÉE DE L'OISE
Museum presenting a selection of the most beautiful paintings of the century in the former episcopal palace of Beauvais.
Right next to the cathedral, installed in the former episcopal palace, you can't miss the two large turrets, enhanced by rehabilitation work, which house the MUDO-Musée de l'Oise! Go underneath to enter the courtyard and discover the very elegant palace of the Bishops-Counts of Beauvais (it's worth a look, even if you don't have time to visit the museum afterwards, which is a great shame!) After the Revolution, the palace received several assignments: prefecture in 1800, bishopric again in 1822 and courthouse in 1846. Take the opportunity to admire the beautiful renovated facade of the Renaissance palace, but also the garden which gives another perspective on the cathedral. This garden evokes the archaeological remains discovered on the site and the food-producing vocation of the bishop's gardens. Inside the palace, there is a selection of the most beautiful works from the collection of 19th century paintings. Some local views such as the ruins of the Pierrefonds castle can be seen. One stops especially to admire from various angles the impressive unfinished painting by Thomas Couture: The Enlistment of the Volunteers of 1792. Begun in 1847 and restored thanks to a participative patronage, it represents on 45 m² the volunteers ready to defend France in war against Austria and Prussia. On the third floor you will discover the spectacular oak framework of the 16th century, 14 meters high. This is where you can find beautiful temporary exhibitions.
