Construction of tumulus Ve millénaire av. J.-C. (≈ 100 av. J.-C.)
Necropolis among the oldest in the Atlantic
1791
Sale as a national good
Sale as a national good 1791 (≈ 1791)
Former Cistercian priory and farm sold
1987
End of archaeological excavations
End of archaeological excavations 1987 (≈ 1987)
15 years of research led by Burnez
Juin 1993
Opening of the museum
Opening of the museum Juin 1993 (≈ 1993)
Public opening after construction
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Key figures
Claude Burnez - Archaeologist
Directed the excavations until 1987
Jean-Pierre Mohen - Archaeologist
Co-directed the excavations of the site
Jean-François Milou - Architect
Designed the modern museum in 1993
Origin and history
The Tumulus Museum is the result of 15 years of archaeological excavations (until 1987) on the megalithic necropolis of Bougon, led by Claude Burnez and Jean-Pierre Mohen. This site, owned by the Deux-Sèvres department since 1873, reveals tumulus dating back to the fifth millennium, among the oldest on the Atlantic facade. The remains, spread over two hectares, include five funeral monuments and reconstructed prehistoric habitats, such as a 40-metre-long house.
In 1991, the Department decided to build a museum to enhance these discoveries, which was inaugurated in June 1993. The building, designed by architect Jean-François Milou, incorporates transparency (metal and glass) and remains of a 14th century Cistercian priory, including a chapel, a farmhouse house and a 17th century barn. These spaces, exploited as a farm until the Revolution, were sold as national goods in 1791. The museum, labeled Musée de France, also serves as the Centre for Conservation and Studies of Collections (CCEC).
The site offers a family path leading to the necropolis, with labyrinth and reconstruction of prehistoric habitats. Located 500 metres from the tumulus, in a rural setting, it offers an immersion in Atlantic Prehistory, while preserving a unique archaeological and architectural heritage. The collections, departmental and regional, illustrate the major stages of this period and the expertise of megalithic builders.
