Houses of the Consuls
The Museum of Arts and Archaeology, formerly known as the Prehistory Museum of Matelles, is a symbolic place in the territory of the Grand Pic Saint-Loup.
A testament to history
Archaeological research in the Grand Pic Saint-Loup area began in the 1950s. Leading figures in archaeology carried out work here, including Henry de Lumley, Jean Arnal, Jean Guilaine, Henri Canet and Pierre Pannoux…
While continuing its mission to preserve the archaeological collection through a completely redesigned visitor experience, the Maison des Consuls aims to explore other themes focusing on humankind as a driver of change, its interaction with the environment and its ability to shape its living space.
This unprecedented encounter between art and our departmental heritage at the Maison des Consuls reflects a new cultural approach in which past and present come together harmoniously.
A place to discover throughout the year
The permanent collection at the Maison des Consuls comprises finds from excavations undertaken by archaeologist Pierre Pannoux in the immediate vicinity of Les Matelles, particularly at the Suquet Cocoulières cave, the Roubiac site and the Bois-Martin site.
This collection is complemented throughout the year by temporary exhibitions that further broaden the artistic horizons of this venue.
Find out more about the Pierre Pannoux Collection
The Pierre Pannoux Collection
The archaeological collection comprises 3,500 individual artefacts (out of a total of 18,000).
It includes archaeological artefacts (pottery, tools, flint and jewellery) and the remains of Palaeolithic animals (bear teeth and bones from aurochs, horses, ibex, reindeer and saiga antelopes).
The collection provides a broad overview of the Prehistory of the garrigue north of Montpellier, from the Upper Palaeolithic to the Final Neolithic.
The entire collection and the museum archives can be viewed on a touchscreen.
Temporary exhibitions
The House of Consuls
Les Matelles
Between traces of the Neolithic and contemporary creation, a museum where the gesture of man connects the centuries.
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