Henri-Lecoq Municipal Natural History Museum
The Lecoq museum in Clermont-Ferrand is the only general natural history museum in the Massif Central region. It has been designated a MUSÉE DE FRANCE (French national museum) and is exceptionally rich in the number and variety of its collections.
History
Henri Lecoq, a chemist originally from the north of France was appointed to the chair of natural sciences at Clermont Ferrand University. Between 1826 and 1871, he combed the Auvergne, taking notes and specimens, in particular relating to mineralogy, petrology and botany. He published numerous scientific works and maps. He was Jean-Baptiste Bargoin’s friend and associate.
Lecoq’s work is representative of the scientific fervour which was characteristic of the XIX century, in French provinces and Auvergne in particular. He was also responsible for the garden which bears his name. On his death, he bequeathed his collections to the town, which bought his home and created a museum there.
To mark the bicentenary of Henri Lecoq’s birth, a book has been produced by the museum and the Clermont-Ferrand Académie des Sciences, Belles-Lettres et Arts.
"Henri Lecoq, les fortunes d’un naturaliste à Clermont-Ferrand" (Henri Lecoq, the fortunes of a Clermont-Ferrand naturalist) is available at the museum (€28).
