More than 300 objects dating from prehistory grouped together in the Aurignacian Museum, this timeless establishment

More than 300 objects dating from prehistory grouped together in the Aurignacian Museum, this timeless establishment

Contains a set of objects, the first of which were discovered in 1860 in the shelter of Aurignac, the Aurignacian Museum, located in Aurignac 1 hour from Toulouse, opened its doors in 1969. Today, the 750 m2 building is 100% modular, new, modern, bright and accessible to all audiences. The unique opportunity for the Haut-Garonnais to discover maps, timelines, identical reproductions of distant pieces, drawings and even videos from the prehistoric era. p>

"Let yourself be surprised by a multitude of sensations, smells and colors and also stroll through the charming medieval streets of the village which offer a breathtaking view of the Pyrenees.", promises the official website of the Museum of the Aurignacian

The museum, temple of prehistory for all

Since 1969, the Aurignacian Museum, located below the town of Aurignac, just 1 hour from Toulouse, invites all Haut-Garonnais on an exciting journey to the heart of prehistory. Lovers of cultural discoveries and curious people from all walks of life, go, thanks to this new establishment in the Occitanie region, to meet the Aurignacians, the first anatomically modern men who lived in Europe (and more precisely in the Pyrenees) about 35,000 years ago.

Guided tours for all generations in this new museum-forum in Aurignac
Guided tours for all generations in this new museum-forum in Aurignac Aurignac © Musée de l'Aurignacien

Accessible to all audiences, the museum provides multimedia supports, audio guides in several languages ​​(French, Spanish, German and audio description), or even game booklets > for children.

Priceless archives dating from the 1800s

All along the route to clear museography , fun and redesigned, visitors can discover inside the museum testimonies of the life of these people of the past, animal and human bones /strong>, hunting weapons, objects of their daily life, elements of adornment, statuettes…. But also maps and illustrations, short films to better understand History and chronological timelines enrich the walls of the establishment.

"Carinate Nuclei", objects discovered thanks to numerous excavations on site
"Carinate Nucleus", objects discovered thanks to numerous excavations on site © Aurignacian Museum

In total, no less than 300 archaeological objects and documents from the excavations of the Aurignac site and other emblematic sites of prehistory are exhibited in this place with a green roof and designed in partnership with the Museum of Toulouse.

The trail: 1.5 km walk outside the museum

"Visitors who wish to "go further" can take the educational trail, 1.5 km long, to discover the original site", Maryse Vezat-Baronia, president of the Syndicat Mixte du Musée of the Aurignacian.

Visit the museum of 'Aurignac also means taking a hike in the past to reach the prehistoric rock shelter, the said founding archaeological site and place discovered in 1852 by Jean -Baptiste Bonnemaison. Punctuated with informative stops, the unique and timeless 1.5 km route also allows you to pass in front of the sculpture of The Lion Man, made to order by Abraham Poincheval. A real symbolic journey back to our most distant origins.

The Aurignac shelter, where it all began
The Aurignac shelter, where it all began © Musée de l'Aurignacien
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A restoration and experimentation space

In addition to the exhibition rooms, the forum-museum has two spaces: one for meetings and a place of learning. First, the cafetaria which is a place for debates where visitors can relax but also meet and exchange with the greatest specialists on the question of prehistory. Then the room called PréhistoLab', which is dedicated, for young and old, to educational workshops and the manipulation of materials in order to increase the understanding of this prehistoric period.

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Activities for everyone, even for the little ones
Activities for everyone, even for the little ones © Musée de l'Aurignacien

An exceptional program all year round

In addition to its permanent exhibition, the Aurignac venue offers, throughout throughout the year, a rich program such as temporary exhibitions, conferences, festivals, prehistory cafés (reservation recommended at 05 61 90 90 72), school workshops and other sporting and (sometimes) free events in the presence of renowned researchers. Dozens of thematic and recreational events open to all.

> The complete program for the 2024 season

Workshops for everyone are offered at the museum-forum
Workshops for everyone are offered at the museum-forum © Musée de l'Aurignacien
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Not to be missed this summer!

In addition to all the events planned throughout the season, key events are a must-do this summer, with family, friends or alone:

- The temporary exhibition, The passed as if you were? : to see until September 29, 2024;
- The European Archeology Days: on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 June;< br> - An artist at the Museum: Wednesday July 10 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the presence of Clémentine Pace, sculptor, engraver and illustrator. From 5 years old, limited places and free;
- Outdoor show of “Bric et de Bulles”: Sunday July 14 at 4 p.m. For all audiences and free entry;
- Outdoor Cinema Evening: August 14 at 9 p.m. For all audiences and free;
- Show Aurignac through time: Saturday July 20 and Sunday July 21 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. All public and free entry;
- “Tales from the Night of Time”: Wednesday July 24 at 4 p.m. All public and free entry;
- Festival 31 Notes d’été: Sundays August 18 and 25. For all audiences and free;
- Theatre play “How to become an Aurignacian superhero”: Wednesday August 21 at 4 p.m. or Wednesday August 28 at 4 p.m. All public, duration 1h30, Free entry.

New events like this music workshop are taking place all year round ​​
New events like this music workshop take place all year round © Musée de l'Aurignacien

Labeled "Musée de France" by the Ministry of Culture and Communication, the Aurignacian museum-forum has combined, since 2014, exhibitions, debates and fun discoveries around major subjects on the origin of Man and more particularly of prehistoric Humans. p>

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Also read: Works of art take over the Carmes district on the occasion of the New Spring: exhibitions, projections, meetings…

Practical Information span>
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. / Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. / From 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. during school holidays in zone C (Toulouse) / Closed in January, May 1, November 1 and December 25
Location: < /span> Aurignacian Museum
Address: Avenue Benabarre, 31420 Aurignac
Price: From 4€
Contact: 05 61 90 90 72
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