Musée de la Marine

The Musée de la marine d'Étaples is a museum dedicated to the maritime history and culture of Étaples, a town in the Pas-de-Calais department of France. It is part of a network of museums in the Montreuillois region, which includes museums in the towns of Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, Étaples, Montreuil, and Berck. The museum provides a glimpse into the lives of sailors and their wives, the local maritime habitat, traditional costumes, and various fishing techniques.

Historical Significance of the Museum Building

The Musée de la marine d'Étaples is housed in a building that was once a fish market, built in 1874. The museum showcases the town's past as a significant fishing port in the early 20th century. Over 600 meters of exhibition space is dedicated to this history, with a focus on the local fishing fleet, which was once based in the port of Boulogne-sur-Mer.

Exhibits and Layout of the Musée de la marine d'Étaples

The Musée de la marine d'Étaples is spread over three levels, each dedicated to different aspects of maritime life and history. The ground floor is dedicated to navigation, featuring exhibits on shrimp boats, barges, and trawler bridges. The first half-floor on the right houses exhibits on local customs and religion, ceremonial costumes, and work clothes. The second floor showcases the evolution of boats, from sailboats to trawlers. The left half-floor is dedicated to sea rescue, and the ground floor also features exhibits on old professions such as barrel maker, ship carpenter, blacksmith, shoemaker, and sail maker.