Museum of Aquitaine - Image 1

Bordeaux,France

Museum of Aquitaine

MuseumOpenPrehistoricGallo-RomanMedievalRenaissanceModern

The Musée d'Aquitaine is a major regional museum located in Bordeaux, France, dedicated to the history, archaeology, and ethnography of the Aquitaine region. Housed in the former Faculty of Letters and Sciences building, the museum holds a vast collection spanning from prehistoric times to the 21st century.

The institution is particularly noted for its significant Gallo-Roman collection, including the Hercules of Bordeaux, and its extensive exhibits detailing the history of the port of Bordeaux, the Atlantic slave trade, and the colonial history of the region. It serves as a primary center for research and public education regarding the cultural heritage of southwestern France.

Key Facts

Materials
Stone, Glass, Steel
Civilization
French
Accessibility
Fully wheelchair accessible
Date(s)
1886 (current building)
Condition
Active museum
Original Function
Faculty of Letters and Sciences
Key Figures
Camille Jullian

Founding and Early Collections

18th - 19th Century

The museum's origins trace back to the 18th century with the creation of the Academy of Sciences, Belles-Lettres and Arts of Bordeaux. The collections were formally organized into a municipal museum in the 19th century under the influence of local historians.

Relocation to the Faculty Building

1960s

In the 1960s, the museum moved into the former Faculty of Letters and Sciences building, a structure designed by architect Charles Durand. This move allowed for the consolidation of various regional collections into a single, cohesive space.

Modern Expansion

20th - 21st Century

The museum has undergone several phases of modernization, including the integration of new galleries dedicated to the history of the slave trade and the colonial era, reflecting a commitment to addressing complex historical narratives.

Cultural Significance

The museum acts as the primary repository for the collective memory of the Aquitaine region. It plays a crucial role in local identity by documenting the evolution of Bordeaux from a Roman settlement to a major international port city.

It is also recognized for its critical engagement with the history of the slave trade, providing a space for public discourse on the city's role in the 18th-century triangular trade and its lasting impact on contemporary society.

Interpretive Notes

Scholarly debates and areas of uncertainty

There is ongoing academic discussion regarding the museum's curation of colonial history and the representation of the Atlantic slave trade. Scholars debate the balance between maintaining a traditional archaeological focus and addressing the ethical complexities of Bordeaux's mercantile past.

Visiting Information

Entry Rules

Open Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00 to 18:00. Closed on Mondays and public holidays. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online.

Best Times to Visit

Weekday mornings are generally quieter. The museum is a suitable indoor activity during inclement weather.

Photography

Non-commercial photography is permitted without flash. Tripods and selfie sticks are prohibited.

Preservation Notes

Flash photography is strictly prohibited to protect light-sensitive artifacts. Visitors are requested to refrain from touching display cases.

Nearby POIs

6 shown

Sources & Further Reading

  1. [1]
    Le Musée d'Aquitaine: Guide des collections — Collectif. Musée d'Aquitaine Publications (2015)View
  2. [2]
    Bordeaux et la traite des noirs — Eric Saugera. Karthala (2002)