Musée des Sciences de Laval

The Musée des Sciences de Laval occupies a neoclassical building and displays extensive collections of fossils, minerals, herbarium sheets, and scientific instruments arranged by subject. The building sits near the Perrine Garden in the heart of the city.

The museum was founded in 1833, starting with collections from the municipal library and local school combined into a single institution. It grew to represent the scientific interests and knowledge gathering that marked the region's development in the 19th century.

The library holds handwritten notes and volumes by influential French naturalists such as Buffon and Cuvier, offering visitors a glimpse into how natural science developed in France.

The museum is centrally located near Place de Hercé and easily accessible on foot from downtown. Visitors should check current opening times in advance, as hours may vary with the seasons and special closures.

The collection holds one of the largest fossil assemblies in the region, spanning multiple geological periods and assembled over decades by dedicated collectors. This gathering shows how natural history was valued and studied locally over generations.

Location: Laval

Inception: 1833

Official opening: 1901

Address: 21, rue du Douanier-Rousseau

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00-12:00, 14:00-18:00

Phone: +33243494781

Website: https://musees.laval.fr

GPS coordinates: 48.06590,-0.77045

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:48