Musée de Lodève

About the museum

Lodève's town council created the museum in January 1957, and it opened on May 26, 1962 in the chapel of the Carmes under the name of its main donor, the archaeologist Jacques Audibert. It later used part of the Hôtel de Fleury from 1972, and moved in there permanently on July 10, 1987.

This 17th-century mansion, remodelled in the 18th century, is the birthplace of Cardinal de Fleury, tutor and prime minister of Louis XV. In 1972, the widow of the sculptor Paul Dardé gave the town the contents of his studio, which were combined with the museum's other collections in 1978.

The collections include fossils and footprints of reptiles from the Middle Triassic, archaeological pieces such as the Collorgues statue-menhir, and paintings, drawings and sculptures. After works carried out from 2013 to 2018, the museum reopened in July 2018 with a contemporary extension designed by the Projectiles agency, which brings the permanent exhibition area to 1,150 m².

Highlights

• “Traces du vivant” route on the history of the Earth
• “Empreintes de l’Homme” route on prehistory
• “Mémoires de pierres” route devoted to the sculptor Paul Dardé
• Triassic reptile footprints and the Collorgues statue-menhir
• Contemporary extension from 2018 by the Projectiles agency

Permanent exhibitions

• Traces du vivant – A route through the history of the Earth since the appearance of life, around 540 million years ago.
• Empreintes de l’Homme – A route devoted to prehistory.
• Mémoires de pierres – A route devoted to the work of the sculptor Paul Dardé.

Founded

1957

Admission & discounts

Payment by card, cheque, cash and holiday vouchers (chèques-vacances).

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

“Hérault Accessible” label. Accessible parking near the entrance, outdoor paths without steps and with gentle slopes, and a lift. Contrast strips on the entrance door, an induction loop at reception, an audio guide and occasional tours in sign language. The routes are designed to be accessible to everyone.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The three permanent routes are designed for both adults and children; the museum offers workshops for children and themed activities.

Getting there & parking

Coach access and parking are signposted.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Lockers
• Wi-Fi

Shop, lockable left-luggage locker, public toilets, Wi-Fi, electric vehicle charging point, bike parking and a repair kit.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit