Maisons des Illustres is a mark of quality (French: label de qualité) of buildings in France, indicating places where the purpose is to preserve the memory of people distinguished in the political, social and cultural history of France.[1]
It was created by Frédéric Mitterrand, the Minister of Culture, in September 2011, to make known to the public the places that keep collections related to personalities, and give them a higher profile. He said that they should be "more than reliquaries, but real living homes". Initially, 111 buildings received the award.[2]
It is awarded by the Ministry of Culture; it is valid for five years and is renewable. In 2018, there were 235 buildings with the award, eight being awarded in that year.[1]
To be eligible for consideration, a building must be open to the public at least 40 days in the year, with or without appointment; its purpose must not be basically commercial; it must have been the residence of the famous person and have retained a memory of the person.[1]