The Angouleme Comic Book Museum, also known as Musée de la Bande Dessinée, is a must-visit destination for comic book lovers. Located in the heart of Angoulême, in South Western France, it is a city renowned for its rich comic book culture, this museum beautifully showcases the artistry and significance of this beloved medium. As you enter the museum, you’ll find yourself surrounded by an impressive collection of comics from various eras and styles. They have everything from classic titles to modern masterpieces. There’s something for everyone, whether you are visiting Angouleme with kids, alone or with adults.
Opened in June 2009, the Angoulême comic book museum is officially designated as a Musée de France, putting it alongside institutions such as the Louvre and the Palace of Versailles in cultural importance.
Dive into the ninth art
Comics are held in higher regard in France and Belgium than in the United States or the UK. Known as the Le Neuvième Art or 9ème Art, they may not be as highly esteemed as literary classics like Honoré de Balzac or Victor Hugo, but comic artists are gradually gaining recognition as a high art form.
Exhibitions
One of the Angouleme comic book museum highlights is its fascinating exhibitions, which explore the evolution and impact of comics throughout history. In the museum’s collection, French language and American comics are very well represented. These exhibitions are thoughtfully curated, giving visitors a deeper understanding of the artistic techniques, storytelling methods, and cultural influences shaping the comics world. You’ll get to witness first hand the evolution of characters like Tintin, Asterix, Charlie Brown, Captain America and other beloved comic book figures. The museum also showcases original drawings, sketches, and manuscripts, allowing visitors to truly appreciate the craftsmanship of creating these stories. From the early beginnings of comic strips to the vibrant graphic novels of today, the museum offers a captivating journey through the world of comic books.
The permanent exhibition has an exceptional collection, which is protected in glass cases. There is also a temporary exhibition. When we visited, the temporary exhibition was Rock! Pop! Whizz! The exhibition delves into the connection between pop music, rock, and comics by immersing us in these two distinctive realms. It highlights the ongoing dialogue, camaraderie, and reciprocal influence between these art forms throughout the past fifty years.
This exhibition gathers over fifty French and international designers, hundreds of album covers, an equal number of original and sometimes unreleased artwork, and on-site creations.
My little museum, in the corner of the permanent exhibition room, allows children to discover the fun of comics through interactive games, dressing up costumes and reading. Morgana loved playing in this section and relaxing on the beanbags looking at books.
Events
Apart from its remarkable exhibitions, the Angouleme comic book museum also hosts various activities and events catering to comic enthusiasts of all ages. They organise workshops, seminars, special exhibitions, and even comic book fairs annually, bringing together artists, writers, and fans worldwide. These events provide creators a platform to showcase their work and allow visitors to engage with the comic book community and even try their hand at creating their own stories. It’s a vibrant and dynamic space that fosters creativity and celebrates the joy that comics bring.
We decided to visit a couple of weeks ago and happened to be there on one of their event days. To celebrate part of the Rock! Pop! Whizz! temporary exhibition, there were three authors there to sign books and a band, The Crumble Club played. There were some interactive games being played in the permanent exhibition and there were free guided tours, specially aimed at children in the temporary exhibition.
The museum shop offers various items such as postcards, small presents like diaries and keychains, and do-it-yourself art projects. There is also an assortment of books in different genres, including a few in English. There is a cafe, but this wasn’t open when we went so I don’t know what this is like.
The Angoulême Comic Strip Museum is a haven for comic enthusiasts. With its impressive collection, engaging exhibitions, and lively events, this museum immerses visitors in the captivating world of comics. It offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the artistry, cultural impact, and sheer joy that this medium brings. So, whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering the magic of comics, visiting the Angoulême Comic Book Museum is an absolute must. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
The International Comics Festival
Every year since 1974, the Festival International de la Bande Desinée has been taking place in Angoulême. This is Europe’s premier comics festival, where the top artists showcase original artwork and vie for prestigious awards with their latest creations over the four-day festival at the end of January. Various activities such as workshops, master’s classes, meetings, and professional discussions take place. Every year, the festival’s events and diverse exhibitions draw in thousands of amateurs and professionals.