The Baccarat crystal has an international reputation and owns its exceptional quality to 2 centuries of know-how. The Museum presents all facets of this particular art of Crystal.
History and description
On the 18th century, the Bishop of Metz gained huge areas in Lorraine, including forests around Baccarat. These forest were not really exploited. But the area was rich of sand, due to the abundant sandstone. Thus, with the local labour, the Bishop asked the King of France Louis XV the permission to establish in Baccarat a "usine à feu": a fire factory. It gave birth to the Sainte-Anne Verrerie glass factory in 1764.
In 1817, the glass fabric is transformed into a crystal manufacture (by M. D’Artigues, coming from St. Louis). Due to the quality of the products, the success was immediate. Throughout the course of the 19th century, all the word commanders and famous people ordered their crystal in Baccarat. For instance, the tsar of Russia was a large consumer Baccarat crystal, considered to be the most beautiful of the world.
Some commands exceptional lighting:
A huge lustre over one tonne and 200 lights for the Gwalior Maharadjah at the end of the 19th century.
A series of 12 electrified candelabrum (3.80m tall) for the winter palace of the Tsar Nicholas II in Saint Petersburg.
In 1994, for the 230th anniversary of Baccarat, the manufacture realized an exceptional work: a gigantic lustre in the pure style of the 19th century chandeliers (5m high, 3m in diameter, 1.5 tonne, 2150m of electrical wire, 15000 hours of work)...
Currently 70 % of the production is exported.
After a long specialization in tableware and lustres, Baccarat has diversify its production to perfumery, and then jewellery.
Baccarat decided to set up a prestigious Parisian showcase. Imagined by Philippe Starck, the Maison de Baccarat is located on the 11, Place des Etats Unis, in Paris... It exposes some the finest works of Baccarat.
Highlights 1:
The Baccarat Museum consists of 4 rooms, including a technical room, tracing the history and know how of the crystal manufacture.
Highlights 2:
Do not forget to make some shopping! There are many crystal shops in Baccarat. Start with the Crystal manufacture shop on the main square. Many other stores offer objects in Crystal from all sources. It is interesting to make comparisons between the quality (and price) of the products.
Highlights 3:
Don’t miss a visit to the modern church of Saint-Rémy (see related article).
A tip to eat
Excellent deli: Dulac, 15 rue Adrien Michaut. One step further than the city hall, on the opposite side.
Useful information
Open hours
Open daily, weekends and holidays included. Except December 25 and January 1.
9: 00 Am to 12 and 14: 00 am to 6 p.m. From September 1 to 30 June
9: 00 Am to 12: 30 and 14: 00 am to 6 p.m. From 1 July to 31 August
Entry fees
2,50 € per person 1.50 € per person for groups from 20 people
Schools: Primary: package 15 € per class
Contact
MUSEUM: 20 rue de Cristalleries 54120 BACCARAT Tel: 03 83 76 61 37
Map of Baccarat Crystal museum and around !
Baccarat Crystal museum
The Baccarat crystal has an international reputation and owns its exceptional quality to 2 centuries of know-how. The Museum presents all facets of this particular art of Crystal.
Baccarat, Saint-Rémy Church
Next to the Meurthe river stands an original modern church in which we absolutely must enter. Inside you will appreciate the mystery and contemplation atmosphere created by the coloured light of Baccarat stained glass and the sobriety of plain concrete walls.