Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Museum of Prehistory - Raymond Touchard finds its origin in archaeological excavations carried out since the late 19th century around Lussac-les-Châteaux, revealing thousands of paleolithic objects. These discoveries, including unique engravings from La Marche cave, motivated the creation of a dedicated museum. In 1979, the association Les Amis du Pays de Lussac was founded to implement this project, with the support of Raymond Touchard, who provided a Renaissance home.

In 1980, the association acquired the collection of Dr. Louis Pradel, enriching the funds. The museum opened in 1982 and became municipal in 1986 after Touchard donated the home. The years 1990-2000 marked a major restructuring: in 2001, the municipality launched a cultural pole project, and in 2010, the museum reopens in La Sabline, a modern complex including media library and MJC.

The collections are enriched by major donations, such as those of André Chollet (a building of the cave of Bois-Ragot) or Stéphane Lwoff's family (engraved stone of La Marche). In 2006, the museum obtained the label Musée de France, dedicating its scientific importance. Its flagship pieces, such as the Magdalenian engravings of La Marche, make it a unique site in the world for prehistoric art.

The building now combines heritage (renaissance residence) and contemporary architecture, offering 368 m2 of permanent exhibitions. The exhibits – tools, trimmings, engravings – illustrate the life of local Paleolithic societies. The cave of La Marche, in particular, delivered engraved human portraits, rare naturalist testimonies of that time.

The management of the museum has evolved: after the founding association (dissolved in 1996), the MJC provided the animation until 2004. Since 2010, it has been part of a global cultural project, combining research, pedagogy and the exploitation of regional prehistoric heritage.

The museum owes its name to Raymond Touchard, initiator of the project, and to archaeologists such as Stéphane Lwoff and André Chollet, whose works have shaped his collections. Its history also reflects local commitment to preserve an exceptional heritage, from 19th century excavations to national recognition.

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