An unrivaled collection
While he happened upon an auction at Drouot in Paris, the founder of Domaine de La Citadelle fell under the spell of a superb lot of 200 corkscrews, which he decided to acquire. This is how he inaugurated the world's first Corkscrew Museum in 1993, in Ménerbes in the Luberon region.
A tireless collector, he constantly travels the planet, from antique dealers to auction rooms, in search of new gems.
The Corkscrew Museum now houses pieces dating back to the 17th century, some of which are unique. For an ever richer and more astonishing experience, its collection expands each year with new treasures: these are revealed in more than 50 display cases, on self-guided or guided tours, upon request.
The origins of the corkscrew
The Corkscrew Museum traces the evolution and diversity of this seemingly simple, yet surprising tool. The first corkscrews appeared between the end of the 16th and the beginning of the 17th century, probably across the Channel: the English began to age their wines in glass bottles, rather than barrels. As the shape of these bottles changed, their necks became narrower, requiring the insertion of compressed corks. An "extractor" or "corkscrew" therefore proved indispensable.
Until the Industrial Revolution, these were generally unique pieces, shaped and personalized by hand by goldsmiths or blacksmiths. Then, with the rise of machine tools, corkscrews were endlessly reinvented, combining practicality, efficiency, and creativity: this fascinating saga is the heartbeat of the museum.
Practical information
From May to October
Every day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
From November to April
Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
