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National Museum of Prehistory and its collection

National Museum of Prehistory
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The National Museum of Prehistory is situated in the former Château de Tayac, which was bought by the state in 1913 to house the museum. In 2004, a new museum was inaugurated, designed by architect Jean-Pierre Buffi. This new museum is integrated into the iconic cliff of Les Eyzies, adding a unique architectural element to the site.

Collections at the National Museum of Prehistory

The National Museum of Prehistory showcases an exceptionally rich prehistoric past, conserving about 6 million objects. The museum houses one of the most significant Paleolithic collections in France, including lithic and bone artifacts, portable art, burial sites, fauna, and the world's first collection of Paleolithic art on engraved or sculpted blocks.

Expansion of the Museum

The museum underwent an extension in 2004, which included new buildings designed by architect Jean-Pierre Buffi. This expansion added more than 3,600 square meters of new space, including 700 square meters of exhibition galleries, providing more room for the museum's extensive collections.

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FRMusée National de Préhistoire
ESMuseo Nacional de Prehistoria de Eyzies
FRMusée National de la Préhistoire
ENNational Museum of Prehistory - Les Eyzies
ENNational Prehistory Museum in Les Eyzies

History & Anthropology History & Anthropology Archaeology Historic house

#129 History & Anthropology in France #14 Archaeology museums in France #57 Historic houses in France

#129 History & Anthropology in France #14 Archaeology museums in France #57 Historic houses in France
National Museum of Prehistory
Rue du Musée 1

Images of National Museum of Prehistory

Visitor information National Museum of Prehistory

Opening hours

Monday
9:30 – 18:30
Tuesday
9:30 – 18:30
Wednesday
9:30 – 18:30
Thursday
9:30 – 18:30
Friday
9:30 – 18:30
Saturday
9:30 – 18:30
Sunday
9:30 – 18:30

Admission

0 – 24Free
Reduced€4.50
Normal rate€6.00

Facilities

We don't have information about the facilities of National Museum of Prehistory.

Location & Map

Rue du Musée 1, Les Eyzies

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Exhibitions

No exhibitions in National Museum of Prehistory have been found.

National Museum of Prehistory Reviews

National Museum of Prehistory has 1 rating.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The National Museum of Prehistory in Les Eyzies, France, offers an extensive collection of prehistoric artifacts and exhibits that showcase the rich archaeological heritage of the Vézère Valley. Visitors appreciate the well-organized displays that present a comprehensive overview of human evolution and prehistoric life. The museum's location in the heart of the Dordogne region, known for its numerous prehistoric sites, adds to its appeal.

    Many reviewers highlight the museum's modern and interactive approach to presenting information, making complex topics accessible to both adults and children. The chronological layout of the exhibits helps visitors understand the progression of human development over time. The museum receives praise for its impressive collection of tools, artwork, and fossils from various prehistoric periods.

    Some visitors note that while the museum is informative, it can be overwhelming due to the sheer amount of information presented. A few reviewers mention that some sections could benefit from more English translations, as the majority of detailed explanations are in French.

    The museum's architecture, which blends modern design with the natural rock face of the cliff, is often cited as a striking feature. The panoramic views of Les Eyzies from the museum's terrace are also frequently mentioned as a highlight.

    Overall, the National Museum of Prehistory is widely regarded as an educational and engaging experience for those interested in prehistoric human history. It provides valuable context for visitors exploring the numerous prehistoric sites in the surrounding area.

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  • Aggregated rating

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