Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The René Beaucaire Archaeological Museum finds its origins in the initiative of the Friends of the Old Istres, a local association which, as early as 1947, collects and preserves archaeological objects, notably from underwater excavations in the Gulf of Fos. These collections, initially managed by volunteers, were officially transferred to the city of Istres in 1987, marking a turning point in their preservation and public development. The museum, then relocated, opened in 1989 with a significant contribution from the state in the form of archaeological objects.

The establishment is distinguished by its anchoring in underwater archaeology, presenting artifacts from wrecks discovered in the Gulf of Fos, such as cargoes, navigational equipment and everyday objects. A second major theme is industrial archaeology, illustrated by a model reconstructing a 19th-century soda factory in the Rassuen district. These collections reflect local economic and maritime history, while highlighting the region's industrial heritage.

The building that houses the museum itself is a historical testimony: an 18th-century mansion, with a stone staircase with balusters and an indoor muddled well. Its cellars, dating from the 16th century, recall their past use for the storage of oil and wine, central activities in pre-industrial Provence. Ranked Museum of France, the establishment is now closed for work, but remains a key place to understand the history of Istres and its region.

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