Musée du liège et du bouchon

About the museum

From the 18th century, Mézin and the Albret region were an important centre of cork-stopper production. As the factories closed one after another, residents began in 1983 to gather machines, everyday objects, archives and photographs. The first museum grew out of this collection, supported by a volunteer team, in the town’s former school.

A reorganisation begun in 1996 led to the opening of the current museum about three years later. It received the “Musée de France” label in 2006. It is run by the Association historique et culturelle du Mézinais together with the town.

The collections include tools and machines that show the technical progress of cork-stopper manufacturing from the early 19th century to the 1950s. They also illustrate the economic and social history of cork workers and the changing uses of this material. Throughout the year the museum offers guided tours, exhibitions and events, as well as an audio guide and a treasure hunt for families.

Highlights

• Tools and machines from the Albret cork-stopper factories
• Economic and social history of the cork industry
• Audio guide and video guide
• The game “On the Trail of Robert, the Cork-Maker”
• Workshops during school holidays

Permanent exhibition

• Outils et machines de la bouchonnerie – A route through cork-stopper production in the Albret, from the early 19th century to the 1950s, with machines, tools and archives.

Founded

1983

Operated by

Association historique et culturelle du Mézinais, avec la commune de Mézin

Visitors per year

approx. 7,887

Admission & discounts

Free admission for residents of Mézin (with proof of residence).

Accessibility

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

Adapted routes and aids for visitors with disabilities are available at the reception desk. The museum holds the Tourisme et Handicap label (motor and intellectual disabilities), according to the Val de Garonne tourism portal. A reserved parking space is directly in front of the museum.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Stroller-friendly

During school holidays there are creative, artistic or sports workshops (see the calendar). The game “On the Trail of Robert, the Cork-Maker” invites families to investigate using an old letter.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

Shop and Wi-Fi, shaded picnic area, coach parking (according to the Val de Garonne tourism portal).

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit