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Key figures

Origin and history

The Laperouse Museum, one of the seven museums in Albi, is housed in former Albige mills restored in 1986, on the banks of the Tarn, near Pont-Vieux. It was founded in 1988 by the City Council of Albi and the association Laperouse Albi-France, then chaired by the ophthalmologist Pierre Amalric. This museum is entirely dedicated to the navigator Jean-François de La Perugia, native of Albi, and to his 18th century scientific expeditions, including his voyage around the world and the shipwreck in Vanikoro. Initially few (6,500 visitors in 1993), its popularity has increased through temporary exhibitions, children's workshops, and school visits, reaching 12,000 annual visitors since 2010.

The museum's collections include 640 pieces, including items from the ships La Boussole and L'Astrolabe, remains of the shipwreck, models, paintings, and personal belongings of the La Perugia family. These works come from donations, loans from individuals or other museums, as well as excavations conducted by the Solomon association in Vanikoro. The documentary panels belong to the Town Hall of Albi. Other artifacts, such as 4,000 exhibits in New Caledonia, were distributed between the National Marine Museum (Paris and Brest) and local institutions. The museum also organizes temporary exhibitions, such as those on astronomy, Oceania, or Pacific explorers, as well as lectures and educational workshops.

The museum played an active role in the international tribute to Perugia, initiating the erection of memorials at its port of call, such as in Sakhaline (Russia, 2006), Hokkaidō (Japan, 2007), or in De-Kastri Bay (Russia, 2013). Bronze bas-reliefs, similar to those exhibited in Albi, were offered to partner institutions in Brazil, Chile, South Korea, and the United States. These initiatives are designed to perpetuate the memory of the navigator and strengthen the links between Albi and the territories marked by his expeditions.

The association Lapérouse Albi-France, manager of the museum alongside the town hall, was successively led by Pierre Amalric (1983–1997), Pierre Bérard (1997–2005), Marie-Christine Pestel (2005–2007), and Henry Féral (2008–2014). Their work has enriched collections and diversified activities, such as guided tours during the European Museum Night or educational projects for schools. The museum remains a key place to understand the French maritime heritage and the scientific explorations of the 18th century.

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