Musée national des douanes, Customs museum in Bordeaux, France
The National Customs Museum displays historical objects such as kerosene lanterns, customs uniforms, and paintings that relate to trade rules and border supervision. The collection presents both practical items used by officials and artistic interpretations of customs practices across different periods.
The museum documents the relationship between maritime trade and customs control through ship models, including the Aurore, a vessel involved in the slave trade. These displays illustrate how customs enforcement became intertwined with colonial-era commerce and its troubling dimensions.
The collection includes 18th-century paintings such as 'The Salt Attic' and works by Claude Monet that explore taxation and border themes. These artworks show how artists of that era viewed the economic rules shaping their world.
The museum is undergoing comprehensive renovations led by scenographer Isabelle Fourcade and remains closed until 2025. Visitors should check the opening date as the renovated exhibitions will feature increased interactive elements.
The museum operates a documentation center that collects and preserves records of customs operations from ancient times to the present day. These archives offer insights into how border controls and trade regulations evolved over many centuries.
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