Corkscrew Museum

A journey through history and innovation

Foundation and origins of the Corkscrew Museum

Founded in 1993 by Yves Rousset-Rouard, this unique museum is located on the Domaine de la Citadelle in Ménerbes, a place steeped in history and beauty.

The story of the Musée du Tire-Bouchon began in a rather unusual way. It was during an impromptu stroll through the famous Drouot auction room in Paris that Yves Rousset-Rouard fell under the spell of a batch of 200 exceptional corkscrews. Seduced by these objects that were both commonplace and steeped in history, he won the bid, unaware that he had just laid the foundation stone for what was to become the world's first museum dedicated to this small, everyday instrument.

The collection

Today, the collection comprises more than 1,200 items from all over the world, dating from the 17th century to the present day. Through the museum's 52 display cases, organised into 6 different categories, visitors can admire the evolution and diversity of the corkscrew, a simple tool that conceals an unsuspected wealth of history and curiosities. Each carefully selected piece tells a part of the story of oenology and human ingenuity.

History and innovation

The corkscrews come from the four corners of the globe, each telling a story, an era, an invention. Some are true works of art, others are technical feats, but all bear witness to human ingenuity and the evolution of our societies.

The museum doesn't just display these treasures; it also invites you to take a journey back in time, tracing the history of wine and its preservation. Did you know that the first corkscrews were probably inspired by firearm corkscrews? Or that the transition from preserving wine in barrels to bottles was a major turning point, necessitating the invention of the corkscrew? These are the fascinating anecdotes that the Musée du Tire-Bouchon strives to share with its visitors.