In this former Cistercian abbey in Saint-Ouen-l’Aumône, the past and the present coexist in harmony. It currently contains a contemporary art site, which gives this vast site a special appeal. The Abbey of Maubuisson was founded in the 13th century by Blanche of Castile, who was regent, then Queen consort of France. At the time it was called Notre-Dame-la-Royale but lost its religious role in 1747 on the orders of Louis XVI. Its buildings were successively transformed into a military hospital, a farm, and then a spinning mill, before the Val d'Oise council acquired it and began major renovation work. Shortly after the year 2000, the department made this abbey a contemporary art site, which now gives a number of artists a chance to showcase their talents. Each year, the Abbey of Maubuisson hosts two large solo exhibitions. The artists include sculptors, painters, photographers, video artists and conceptual sound artists. They are invited to interpret the rich history and spirit of this unique place. The Abbey of Maubuisson is a member of Tram, an association working to spread contemporary art in the Île-de-France region throughout the year, with a research, training, and artistic production program. In the production program, artists have the opportunity to work in the best possible conditions, as well as introducing the general public to different forms of contemporary art. The Abbey of Maubuisson is open to all visitors, and pays special attention to children, who receive a visitors' guide as soon as they arrive.