Henri-Lecoq Museum

Based in Clermont-Ferrand since 1873, the Henri-Lecoq Museum is a science museum that explores the region’s natural heritage, including animals, plants, rocks and fossils. With its educational garden, the museum encourages visitors to reflect on the history of science and technology. The collections, the result of a bequest by Henri(…)

Based in Clermont-Ferrand since 1873, the Henri-Lecoq Museum is a science museum that explores the region’s natural heritage, including animals, plants, rocks and fossils. With its educational garden, the museum encourages visitors to reflect on the history of science and technology. The collections, the result of a bequest by Henri Lecoq, are housed in the museum’s former mansion and have been enriched over the years. The museum is a candidate for the “Maison des illustres” label.

The History of Science and Technology department traces the development of science from the 16th to the 21st century, with remarkable exhibits such as mechanical calculating machines and Louis Pasteur’s laboratory balloon, testimony to his time in Clermont-Ferrand. The museum is also involved in the national mission to safeguard contemporary scientific and technical heritage.

In the Written and Graphic Heritage department, the collection includes manuscripts, old books and iconographic documents, including works by Henri Lecoq and geological maps published by him.

The Botany Department houses a herbarium rich in specimens, tracing the flora of the Massif Central and Europe. The geology department holds almost 50,000 rock and fossil samples, while the vertebrate department contains a vast collection of naturalized animals, including 700 mammals and 2,400 birds.

Entomological collections, dating back to the late 19th century, number 290,000 insects, while the mollusc department features 120,000 shells. These collections support research programs and publications, with six catalogs already published, the latest focusing on Henri Lecoq’s malacological collection.

Visit the Henri Lecoq Museum to discover a rich scientific heritage and a fascinating history of science and technology.