Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Musée départemental des Merveilles, located in Tende (although the source text mentions La Brigue, the official address is in Tende), was created to preserve and enhance the exceptional heritage of the rock engravings of the Merveilles Valley, located in the Mercantour National Park. This project, initiated in 1987, is part of the cultural policy of the Alpes-Maritimes Department. In 1989, under the leadership of Senator Mayor José Balarello, the General Council acquired a building to house the collections. The museum, completed in 1993, finally opened its doors to the public on 12 July 1996 after three years of preparation.

The museum presents the results of a century of scientific research, particularly those conducted by the multidisciplinary teams of Professor Henry de Lumley. It preserves and enhances the archaeological and ethnological heritage of Mount Bego and its region, through original objects, rock casts, maps and dioramas. Its permanent exhibition space of 750 m2, organized in three sections (natural history, archaeology, arts and popular traditions), offers a modern and accessible route to all audiences.

The Wonder Valley, 80 km from Nice, is one of the most important rock engraving sites in Europe. The museum plays a key role in protecting and disseminating this heritage, building on an innovative museumography including audiovisual and multimedia tools. It traces 20,000 years of history of the Haute-Roya and its surroundings, while attracting a wide audience, from specialists to families.

The building itself is of architectural interest, notably with its parvis and its facade decorated with 12 columns. Labeled Museum of France, it is located at 43 avenue on 16 September 1947 in Tende, Alpes-Maritimes. Its location, although noted as fair (5/10) in the database, makes it a central place for the discovery of alpine rock art.

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