The Confluence Museum links life sciences, earth sciences, social sciences and science and technology. Unique in Europe, this combination enables one to discover an extraordinary patrimony.
The collections originate from two sources:
. the Museum's legacy,
. the acquisitions which will enrich the different themes proposed.
A large permanent core collection already exists; an inventory is being undertaken to insure exhibitions have adequate breadth and depth;
documentation is being updated, as well as any necessary computerization and restoration of objects which will be presented to the public.
A key place, at the very heart of the project, is the Confluence Museum Collections' Conservation and Research Center, which was inaugurated in 2002.
It is composed of 3 300 m² of reserves, workshops for preparing the collections, and meeting rooms to welcome researchers and scientists from around the world.
Guided Tours
Earth Sciences
- mineral collection, one of the largest and best in Europe, with certain exceptional pieces,
- paleontology collection,
- fossil collection (more than
20 000 specimens).
Of particular mention is one exceptional piece:
a Camarasaurus dinosaur, which is 80% complete.
It is a truly rare specimen, the only one of its kind in Europe and of scientific interest and with remarkable museography.
Life Sciences
- the most important collection in France, after the National Museum, with more than
200 000 animal vertebrae families and more than
1 000 000 invertebrates,
- numerous collections preserved in alcohol, as well as extraordinary types of fish and reptiles.
Social Sciences
- best Egyptology collection in France, largest in terms of number of pieces,
- largest collection of animal mummies in the world, outside of Egypt,
- remarkable contemporary artistic pieces from Africa, Oceania, Amazon, and Inuit.
Science and Technology
An extensive collection with rare examples documenting the evolution of technological innovation in society.
Experience is Proof
The Museum team benefits from an extensive experience with extensive donations and targeted acquisitions. They have permitted the Museum to complete areas and to develop new centers of expertise: the Meynet donations (680 African objects), Lo Curto (250 Amazonian objects), Chermette (mineralogy), ...
Become a Corporate Patron...
And contribute to the creation of funds for the Conservation Center and Research of Collections for the Confluence Museum.
From 1 million euros, these funds respond to the Museum's primary missions:
- acquire new pieces to enrich the collections,
- restore objects in the existing collection,
- invest in research, as well as respond to the Museum's international cultural and scientific exchanges.
Each fundraising action is part of a rigorous analysis:
- creation of a file describing the object or the area concerned, its scientific value and an estimation of the financial worth,
- a partnership agreement for each acquisition with clearly defined terms and conditions for the transfer and the operations.
