Former School for naval medecine

The former naval medicine school is a museum in Rochefort that preserves medical instruments, anatomical specimens, and scientific equipment from the time when naval surgeons were trained here. The collection shows how doctors in the 18th and 19th centuries were trained and what techniques they used.

The school was founded in 1722 and was the first of its kind in the world where naval surgeons were trained. It remained in operation until 1964 before closing and later being transformed into a museum.

The building shows how doctors were trained here and what skills they needed for work aboard ships. The collections reflect what naval medical professionals of the 18th and 19th centuries needed to know.

Access is typically through guided tours across three floors that explain the medical practices and training methods. It is advisable to allow time to fully explore the different rooms and exhibitions.

The original dissection room from 1890 remains open to visitors in its original state, with the same surgical instruments and teaching materials from that time. This room gives a direct impression of how medical training happened here over 100 years ago.

Location: Rochefort

Part of: Musée national de la Marine

Website: http://musee-marine.fr/site/fr/rochefort_histoire_ancienne_ecole

GPS coordinates: 45.94175,-0.96488

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:41