Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Muséum de Toulouse found its origins in 1796, when naturalist Philippe-Isidore Picot de Lapeyrouse obtained the premises of the old monastery of the Carmes Undressed to install a botanical garden and scientific collections. This place, originally reserved for naturalists, became a public museum in 1865 under the leadership of Edward Filhol, first director, with the mission of disseminating the natural sciences. The site, enriched by archaeological excavations revealing Gallic, Roman and medieval occupations, gradually spreads, especially during the International Exhibition of 1887, where the botanical garden is separated from the Jardin des Plantes.

In the 20th century, the Museum modernized and expanded, incorporating major collections such as those of Dr. Victor Besaucele (ornithology) or Gaston de Roquemaurel (ethnology and shellfish). In 1950, it had 19 rooms accessible to the public and became a scientific centre of reference. After closing in 1997 for renovation, it reopened in 2008 with a modern scenography, doubling its surface area and integrating interactive spaces. Today, it combines conservation, research and pedagogy, with exhibitions focusing on biodiversity, evolution and environmental issues.

The Museum is distinguished by its exceptional collections, such as the gallery of prehistory (first in the world), oceanic and African ethnographic backgrounds, and the collection of eggs by Jacques Perrin de Brichambaut, one of the most complete in Europe. Its organisation includes several sites, including the Henri-Gaussen Botanical Garden and the Maurine Park, as well as a photo library housing the Eugène Trutat fonds. The institution remains a key player in the dissemination of scientific knowledge, while questioning the role of man in its environment.

Among the notable figures, Philippe-Isidore Picot de Lapeyrouse initiates the first collections, while Édouard Filhol, Émile Cartailhac and Eugène Trutat contribute to its outreach. The Museum is also a pioneer in museum innovation, as evidenced by the curved 120-metre window designed by Jean-Paul Viguier, exhibiting skeletons in dynamic posture. Its scientific committee, led by experts, makes it a forum for debate on contemporary challenges, from the preservation of ecosystems to the ethics of collections.

Ranked among the largest museums in France after Paris, he is a member of the national network of naturalist collections. Its permanent exhibitions, organized in five thematic sequences, invite us to explore the Earth, biodiversity, evolution and human impact. The Museum thus combines historical heritage and prospective reflection, while valuing emblematic pieces such as the Punch elephant, naturalized in 1907, or African and ocean masks of its ethnographic collections.

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