Member of the Signature Club
Musée National de Préhistoire - Les Eyzies
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Le Musée National de la Préhistoire
A journey to the origins of humanity
1626 to 2026 the Museum celebrates its 400th anniversary. From the Royal Garden of Medicinal Plants of the 17th century to the institution it is today, four centuries of history have shaped this unique place.
A very interesting museum with clear and well designed information panels
You can also watch short films explaining how tools were made by prehistoric people, along with models of animals from that period. It is engaging for both adults and children. A space for children is available on one of the floors, although it remains quite simple.
5 good reasons to visit Musée National de Préhistoire
- A journey through time : Discover the origins of humanity and the traces left by our ancestors in Dordogne, a cradle of Prehistory.
- Exceptional collections: Admire unique objects and masterpieces of prehistoric portable art, reflecting the ingenuity and creativity of Paleolithic people.
- An immersive experience :Step into Prehistory through interactive displays, reconstructions and workshops for all ages.
- An exceptional setting :Explore the museum, set within a historic environment, and its surroundings rich in prehistoric sites, decorated caves and rock shelters.
- A place of learning for all :Enjoy activities and workshops designed for every age group, offering a deeper understanding of human evolution and its environment.
The history of Musée National de Préhistoire
The history of the museum dates back to the early 20th century, when Denis Peyrony, a schoolteacher passionate about Prehistory, acquired the ruins of the Château des Eyzies to create a storage space for archaeological finds and present his discoveries. The museum officially opened in 1923. Over the years, with new discoveries, it expanded and evolved into the institution we know today. The extension inaugurated in 2004 significantly increased its capacity and improved the visitor experience.
Musée National de la Préhistoire
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Discover the treasures of the past
Musée National de Préhistoire reveals exceptional collections that trace more than 400,000 years of human presence. Admire the famous Venus of Laussel, a female figure carved from limestone that reflects the art and beliefs of Cro Magnon people. Be fascinated by prehistoric tools that illustrate the ingenuity of our ancestors, including hand axes, scrapers and projectile points used for hunting, fishing and everyday life. Observe objects of daily use, shell ornaments and human remains that offer a deeper insight into the lives of the men and women who shaped our history.
VIP experience
Prehistory and flavours of the Périgord
Step back in time and savour the moment at Musée National de Préhistoire. Offer your guests a confidential experience combining Prehistory and fine gastronomy in an exceptional setting.
In a small group, this exclusive guided visit explores the essential links between humans and the aquatic world since the Paleolithic period, revealing how people understood, adapted and innovated in close connection with their environment.
The experience continues on a private panoramic terrace overlooking the Vézère valley, where guests enjoy a refined tasting of Périgord caviar, the true black pearl, paired with a delicate selection of local gin. A rare and elegant immersion, where science, landscape and gastronomy come together.
Duration
The experience at Musée National de Préhistoire includes one hour of guided visit followed by one hour of tasting. The group size ranges from a minimum of 10 to a maximum of 15 participants. The experience is scheduled on two dates in June and two dates in September, to be confirmed, from 5 pm to 7 pm.
Audience
This experience is designed for couples, French and international visitors, food lovers, companies and local guests, and is open to all.
Prices
The guided visit is priced at 95 € plus 7 € per person. Partner tasting rates are to be confirmed, with an estimated range between 60 € and 80 € per person.
Travel through time
From the moment you enter Musée National de Préhistoire, an anthropological timeline presents the chronology of hominids over 7.5 million years, beginning with Toumaï. The museum guides you through the key periods of Prehistory, from the Paleolithic to the Neolithic.
The Paleolithic period, from 2.5 million to 10,000 years before our era, is marked by the first stone tools and the use of fire, with objects illustrating the evolution of early humans.
The Mesolithic period, from 10,000 to 5,000 years before our era, reflects adaptations to climate change and the emergence of microliths.
The Neolithic period, from 5,000 to 2,000 years before our era, marks the agricultural revolution and the transition to settled life, with ceramics and polished stone tools. You will also discover local findings such as Cro Magnon and Neanderthal remains, which deepen the understanding of how ways of life and cultures evolved.
Musée National de la Préhistoire
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Musée National de la Préhistoire
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Explore the origins of art
Musée National de Préhistoire highlights prehistoric art as a reflection of the creativity and symbolic expression of early humans. The museum focuses on portable art such as figurines, engravings on bone and personal ornaments, linking them to the masterpieces of cave art found in the region, including Lascaux Cave, Font-de-Gaume Cave and Les Combarelles Cave. Imagine prehistoric artists engraving and painting animals, symbols and human figures on cave walls using natural pigments and refined techniques.
Portable and cave art reveal the cultural and spiritual richness of prehistoric societies, offering insight into their vision of the world, their beliefs and their concerns.
In addition to the objects on display, the museum offers interactive experiences that allow you to explore prehistoric art in a more engaging way, including the opportunity to experiment with painting techniques and discover different interpretations of the motifs and symbols found in cave art.
Enjoy an immersive experience
To extend your exploration of prehistoric art, Musée National de Préhistoire offers interactive features and reconstructions for a full immersion into Prehistory. Observe reconstructions of Paleolithic hearths and prehistoric dwellings. Handle replicas of tools and everyday objects. Take part in the bone hunt, a game that challenges you to find hidden objects throughout the museum. The Little Sapiens Camp provides a playful space for children aged 3 to 6 to discover Prehistory through games and early learning activities.
Musée National de la Préhistoire
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Musée National de la Préhistoire
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Musée National de la Préhistoire
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Musée National de la Préhistoire
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Tips for a successful visit
Allow enough time
Musée National de Préhistoire is rich in collections and information, so allow at least two hours to fully enjoy your visit.
Wear comfortable shoes
The museum is spread over several levels and the visit may involve a fair amount of walking.
Use an audio guide
An audio guide will provide additional insights into the collections and the history of the museum.
Make the most of the activities and workshops
Workshops and interactive spaces offer a deeper understanding and a more engaging way to explore Prehistory.
Feel free to ask questions
The museum mediators are available to answer your questions and guide you throughout your visit.
Visit the nearby interpretation centre
Just next to the museum, discover the Pôle d’Interprétation de la Préhistoire, a free space offering exhibitions and activities to further explore Prehistory.
Answers to your questions
- What are the opening times ?
Musée National de Préhistoire is open in July and August from 9.30 am to 6.30 pm without interruption. In June and September, it is open from 9.30 am to 6 pm and closed on Tuesdays. From October to May, it is open from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm and from 2 pm to 5.30 pm, and closed on Tuesdays. The museum is closed on 25 December and 1 January.
- What are the prices ?
One hour visit 9 € with reduced rates available under certain conditions and free entry for children under 13. One hour and 30 minute visit 11 € with reduced rates available under certain conditions and free entry for children under 13. Interactive visits and workshops are priced at 6 €.
- Are guided tours available ?
Guided tours may be offered. It is recommended to check directly with the museum for more information.
- Is the museum accessible to visitors with reduced mobility ?
Yes, the museum is accessible to visitors with reduced mobility.
- Where to eat ?
Le Petit Moulin offers bistronomic cuisine made with local products. Other dining options may also be available near the museum.
Contact Us
Information and contact details
Contact :
05 53 06 45 45 | mnp.eyzies@culture.gouv.fr
Web site :
musee-prehistoire-eyzies.fr/
Opening times
Opening hours vary depending on the season. For more information, please visit the official website of Musée National de Préhistoire.
Prices
Standard rate 6.00 €
Reduced rate 4.50 €
For more information, please consult the official website.
