The Victor-Brun Museum of Natural History was founded in 1852 in Montauban, on the initiative of the Société des Sciences, Agriculture et Belles-Lettres de Tarn-et-Garonne. Located in the former palace of the Court of Aids, a 17th century building rebuilt in 1836 by architect Fragneg, it opened its doors in 1854. Its primary purpose was to present private collections to the public and to bring together the "natural productions of the department". The facade, decorated with terracotta trophies, reflects its use shared with the labour exchange and the commercial court.
Victor Brun, the first curator, marked the history of the museum by his acquisitions and the legacy of his collections in zoology, mineralogy and prehistory. These contributions have given the museum its present dimension, with remarkable background: a zoological collection dominated by birds, fossils of the Phosphorites of Quercy, and a fragment of the meteorite of Orgueil. Despite its rich prehistoric heritage, it cannot be exposed due to lack of space.
The building itself bears witness to a historical stratification: built on the site of the former Aid Court, it combines a 17th century structure with a neoclassical 19th century façade. The pilasters, theattics and the triple portal underline its monumental character. Today labeled Museum of France, it remains a key place for the diffusion of natural sciences in Occitanie, despite a GPS location deemed "passable" (note 5/10).
Announcements
Please log in to post a review