The museum was created in 1862 when the Brecourt family presented 2000 stuffed birds to the city of Vernon. In 1927, A.-G. Poulain settled his collections of archeology and fine arts. In 1964, Vernon was presented a collection of works by Steinlen. It was decided to turn the former mansion of the Le Moine de Bellisle family into a museum.

The buildings 

The half-timbered house located on the corner of the rue du Pont and rue Carnot appears in documents as early as 1577. It was already the property of M. Le Moine de Bellisle. An angel decorates the corner of the house. The rue de l'Ange leading to the museum was named after it.

The stony wing of the house was built in the 17th Century. It is typical for the Louis 14 style, with its high symmetrical windows adorned with stone, its stringcourses and above all its supporting chains on each side.

After Revolution, the estate was turned into an hotel and then into the police station untill 1964.

Inside, you will notice the monumental staircase decorated with historical portraits and the drawings cabinet, which is the only room in the museum where the original wood panels could be preserved.