Musée d'ethnographie de l'université de Bordeaux

About the museum

The University of Bordeaux ethnography museum was founded in 1894 on the initiative of Dean Pitres and at the proposal of Professor Le Dantec, a naval physician, following the founding of the Institut colonial. It was first called the Musée de pathologie exotique et d’études coloniales, then the Musée d’ethnographie et d’études coloniales. Paul Lemaire, general secretary of the faculty of medicine and pharmacy, was its first curator.

The collections come mainly from donations by former students of the École principale de santé de la Marine (naval health school), who were posted in the colonies and wanted to share the customs of little-known peoples. A decree of December 19, 1900 expanded the holdings, notably with Asian objects from the Trocadéro and the Musée Guimet. After Paul Lemaire’s death in 1915 and World War I, activity declined sharply, and the permanent galleries disappeared in 1940.

Today, the museum is located on Place de la Victoire. Its collections comprise more than 6,000 objects from Asia, Africa, the Arctic, the Americas and Oceania, gathered mainly at the end of the 19th century and focused on everyday life: clothing, adornments, crafts, body care, beliefs. The museum also promotes scientific culture and presents thematic exhibitions linked to current events.

Highlights

• More than 6,000 ethnographic objects, mainly from Asia
• Everyday objects: clothing, adornments, crafts
• Historical holdings from the Navy and the Trocadéro
• Thematic exhibitions on contemporary issues
• Free admission and guided tours

Founded

1894

Operated by

Université de Bordeaux

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission to the museum is free; guided tours and workshops are also free.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The workshops are for everyone, especially young people and families.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit