University Foundation 1441 (≈ 1441)
Papal Bull of Eugene IV creating the university.
1793
Abolition of university
Abolition of university 1793 (≈ 1793)
Closure by the National Convention.
1808
University re-establishment
University re-establishment 1808 (≈ 1808)
Creation of the University of France by Napoleon I.
1874
Law Transforming Medical School
Law Transforming Medical School 1874 (≈ 1874)
Establishment of the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy.
1876
Competition won by Jean-Louis Pascal
Competition won by Jean-Louis Pascal 1876 (≈ 1876)
Start of the architectural project.
1880
Start of work
Start of work 1880 (≈ 1880)
Construction of the current building.
1888
Building inauguration
Building inauguration 1888 (≈ 1888)
Installation place de la Victoire.
1894
Installation of the Ethnography Museum
Installation of the Ethnography Museum 1894 (≈ 1894)
Opening of the MEB in the faculty.
1902-1922
Extension for pharmacy
Extension for pharmacy 1902-1922 (≈ 1912)
Posthumous enlargement to Pascal.
19 septembre 2016
Registration for historical monuments
Registration for historical monuments 19 septembre 2016 (≈ 2016)
Official heritage protection.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, as defined by a black border on the plan annexed to the decree (Case DR 405, 406): inscription by order of 19 September 2016
Key figures
Jean-Louis Pascal - Architect
Building designer, winner of the 1876 competition.
Eugène IV - Pope
Founded the University of Bordeaux in 1441.
Napoléon Ier - Emperor
Restored the university system in 1808.
Origin and history
The Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Bordeaux, located in Place de la Victoire, was designed by architect Jean-Louis Pascal after his victory in the contest of 1876. The work, begun in 1880, gave rise to a rational building incorporating medical advances and modern 19th-century materials. Despite budgetary constraints, the building combines fine arts functionality and aesthetics, although the initial project had to be reduced, notably by removing a large amphitheater.
The school of medicine of Bordeaux, transformed into a faculty of medicine and pharmacy by the law of 10 December 1874 and the decree of 16 June 1878, settled in 1888 in this new building. An extension, intended for the faculty of pharmacy, was realized in the early 20th century (1902-1922), after the First World War. This extension has a slightly outmoded facade, completed after the death of Jean-Louis Pascal.
The building also houses, since 1894, the Ethnography Museum of the University of Bordeaux (MEB) and the University Library of Human Sciences. It has been listed as historic monuments since September 19, 2016, recognizing its heritage and architectural value.
The University of Bordeaux, whose origins date back to 1441 with a papal bubble of Eugene IV, experienced several suppressions and restorations, notably under Napoleon I in 1808. The Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy is part of this long and turbulent academic history, marking the evolution of the medical sciences in France.
Jean-Louis Pascal, renowned architect, marked this project by his innovative approach, combining academic rigour and adaptation to contemporary needs. His work in Bordeaux remains a major testimony of 19th century university architecture, combining practical utility and aesthetic ambition.
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