The Deanery

This building was the residence of the dean, one of the 3 dignitaries of the chapter of canons of Brioude. The Deanery, a veritable fortress, remained in the hands of the Mercoeur family for a long time. In 1282, an agreement was signed between the Mercoeurs and the chapter; thus the new dean, Gaucelin de La Garde, from a family of knights of Gévaudan, began the work of restoring the building which was severely degraded. Thanks to dendrochronology (using wood, a precise dating method) it turns out that the emblazoned ceiling could not be started before 1297/1298: extremely rare heraldic decoration, carved and painted woods mixing hunting scenes and fantastic bestiary .
With the Revolution of 1789 and the disappearance of the chapter of canons, the building was sold as national property and it experienced various fortunes during the 1875th century: this is how the municipal council proposed to sell it in XNUMX. , fortunately, rejected.
During the XNUMXth century, the building was occupied by the Caisse d'Epargne, then by the media library and the Tourist Office. However, the upstairs rooms were closed for security reasons.
Since 2016, quality restoration has made it possible to assign this building to a cultural function, there are now 5 modern and contemporary art exhibition rooms that welcome visitors.

• Group reception from 10 person (s).

Individual visit services

• Guided individual tours on request

Group visits services

• Guided group tours on request

Equipments

• Elevator
• Toilets
• Show room
• Parking nearby

Services

• Shop
• Guided tours

Activities on site

• Temporary exhibitions