Musée de la préhistoire du Mas-d'Azil
Museum devoted to the prehistory of the Mas-d'Azil cave, with the carved spear-thrower “Faon aux oiseaux” and the painted pebbles of the Azilian culture.
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About the museum
The Musée de la préhistoire du Mas-d'Azil opened to the public in 1981. It complements a visit to the neighboring cave, whose excavations yielded numerous objects from the end of prehistory, including those of the so-called Azilian culture.
The display spreads over several floors. The first floor hosts temporary exhibitions. Upstairs, display cases show weapons, tools and objects carved, engraved or decorated, found in the cave, followed by a room devoted to the painted pebbles typical of the Azilian. Reproductions of paintings and engravings from the cave, which cannot be seen on site, complete the route.
Between 2012 and 2014, a complete scientific inventory of the objects was carried out under the scientific direction of a CNRS researcher. The museum holds the “Musée de France” label.
Highlights
- The carved spear-thrower “Faon aux oiseaux”, a masterpiece of Paleolithic art
- The painted pebbles of the Azilian culture and the microliths
- The Magdalenian skull, shown with its scientific reconstruction
- Reproductions of paintings and engravings from the cave, not accessible on site
Permanent exhibition
- Collections de la grotte du Mas-d'Azil – Prehistoric objects found in the cave, including the spear-thrower “Faon aux oiseaux”, the Azilian pebbles and the Magdalenian skull.
- Founded
- 1981
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5.75 |
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| Children & teens | €4.25Child rate for ages 5 to 17. |
| Combined museum and cave ticket – adult | €11.50 |
| Combined museum and cave ticket – child (ages 5 to 17) | €7.50Free for children under 5 with the combined ticket. |
Rates valid from November 17, 2025 to January 3, 2027. The combined ticket also gives access to the Mas-d'Azil cave.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
There is a parking area near the museum.
The museum is located on the village square of Le Mas-d'Azil.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Shop.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | A visit usually takes 30 to 40 minutes. Groups of up to 30 people are welcome. The tourist office notes that staff speak French. |
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