Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Musée de la Préhistoire du Grand-Pressigny is housed in the castle of the commune, in Indre-et-Loire, a region rich in turonian flint exploited from the prehistory. This high quality flint, available in imposing slabs, has given rise to the Neolithic pressignian industry, famous for its long blades (up to 40 cm) produced by a complex cutting technique. These tools, exported to Switzerland and the Netherlands, show exceptional craftsmanship between 3000 and 2000 BC.

The museum's emergence is linked to local enthusiasts, including Dr. Edmond Chaumier (1853–1931), who discover neolithic workshops. In 1922, the first collections were installed in the town hall, then transferred to the castle in 1955, after arrangements supervised by the prehistorian Gérard Cordier. The Association of Friends of the Museum, established in 1935, plays a key role in its sustainability, notably in managing archaeological objects.

A major renovation in 2009, with the addition of a contemporary building designed by architect Bernd Hoge, modernises the museum. The collections cover 100,000 years of history, from the Middle Paleolithic to the Bronze Age (1800–1400 BC), highlighting local flint and size techniques. The museum trail also includes fossils illustrating the geological history of the Touraine.

The castle itself, blending 12th century dungeon, which is part of the 14th century and Renaissance elements, is a historical setting for these remains. The gallery of the castle, built in 1952, and the building of 2009 (primed for its architecture) offer a framework adapted to the valorisation of this unique prehistoric heritage, marked by the European export of pressignian blades.

Collection

Le musée de la Préhistoire en Touraine offre un riche panorama, dont le silex dit « du Grand-Pressigny » qui y est à l'honneur, dans sa dimension géologique, technique, économique et sociale.

External links