Musée d'Aquitaine

Museum in Bordeaux

CC BY-SA 4.0 / FrDr

The Musée d’Aquitaine in Bordeaux is a prominent institution dedicated to showcasing the rich history and culture of the Aquitaine region. Established in its current form in 1962, the museum is housed in the former Faculty of Arts and Sciences building, a 19th-century structure designed by architect Pierre-Charles Durand. This location holds historical significance, as it was built on the site of the Feuillants convent, where the renowned philosopher Michel de Montaigne was buried in 1592.

The museum’s extensive collection comprises over 70,000 artifacts, tracing the region’s history from prehistoric times to the present day. Visitors can explore exhibits on prehistory, the Gallo-Roman period, the Middle Ages, and the modern era. Notable pieces include the Venus of Laussel, a remarkable prehistoric bas-relief; a Gallic gold torque; and the cenotaph of Michel de Montaigne. Additionally, the museum houses an impressive array of art from Africa and Oceania, reflecting Bordeaux’s historical maritime connections.

In 2009, the Musée d’Aquitaine inaugurated a series of permanent exhibits dedicated to Bordeaux’s role in the transatlantic slave trade, providing an in-depth look at this complex aspect of the city’s history. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs, temporary exhibitions, and houses a library with over 80,000 documents specializing in history, archaeology, and ethnography.

The Musée d'Aquitaine appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Bordeaux!

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