Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Museum of Natural History Henri-Lecoq has its origin in the legacy of Henri Lecoq, whose collections, enriched for more than a century, are preserved in its former mansion in Clermont-Ferrand. This heritage combines memory, history and science, with objects retracing the evolution of science and technology from the 16th to the 21st century. The museum, opened to the public since 1873, explores the regional and global natural heritage through departments dedicated to botany, geology, zoology and the history of science.

The History of Science and Technology Department houses scientific instruments, including mechanical computing machines linked to Blaise Pascal, as well as archival holdings of renowned scientists such as Louis Pasteur, including a balloon that witnessed his visit to Clermont-Ferrand. The mineralogical collection of Antoine-Laurent de Lavoisier (3,200 pieces) is also preserved. These objects illustrate scientific advances and preserve the memory of local researchers, such as geneticist Philippe L-Héritier.

The Department of Written and Graphic Heritage brings together ancient books, manuscripts and archives, including works by Henri Lecoq and regional scientists such as geologists Philippe and Louis Glangeud. Iconographic documents include geological maps, posters for Lecoq acorn coffee, and mushroom-coloured boards. The library has more than 14,000 scientific books.

In botany, the herbariums, initiated by Henri Lecoq, cover the flora of the Massif Centrale and of Europe since 1790, with specimens of mosses, oaks, algae and mushrooms. The collections of geology (50,000 samples) and zoology (290,000 insects, 120,000 shells) bear witness to the natural diversity and work of scientists such as Romme or the Glangeud brothers. These archives, both local and global, are made available to the public and researchers.

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