- A remarkable collection
- The growth of the collections
- A resource for teaching and research
- Participation in events
- Practical information and visits
A remarkable collection
The scientific collections of Université de Rennes 1 are remarkable for their quality, the number of objects (1 300 000 specimens) and in particular for the range of disciplines they cover: archeology, botany, geology, scientific instruments (physics, chemistry, electronics, computer science, mathematics), zoology along with books, rare documents and listed works.
The growth of the collections
The collections have been in constant evolution for over two centuries thanks to donations and acquisitions. They are a precious record of research history.
The dimension and diversity of the collection make it one of the finest university collections in France, enjoyed by visitors, and well-known to scientists from both France and abroad. It is comprised of objects which are remarkable for their rarity, beauty and scientific importance.
A resource for teaching and research
These collections are a lively resource for research and teaching.
- The collections are a resource for research teams. Being part of a network widens the national and international scope of the university: The Natural History Museums of Paris and London, the National Mission for the Preservation of Contemporary Scientific and Technical Heritage (PATSTEC) with the Conservatoire national des arts et métiers (CNAM), the botanical network e-ReColNat, the European network Universeum, amongst others.
- The objects are also a vital teaching aid which facilitate understanding for students, and provide support for primary and secondary school teachers whose pupils visit the galleries.
These collections stimulate curiosity, convey emotion and have a place in scientific and technical cultural events such as exhibitions and conferences, where art and culture merge with science.
Participation in events
Each year, Université de Rennes 1 participates in national and European events:
- Arts and Culture in Higher Education Day - April
- European Museum Night - May
- European Heritage Day - September
- Rennes Métropole Science Festival - October
- Science Festival - October
- European University Collections Day - November
During these events, free guided tours of the scientific collections are proposed to the public. As the number of places is limited, booking is required.
Please email: reservationscolaire-collections@univ-rennes1.fr or call 02 23 23 56 94
Practical information and visits
Group and school visits of the collections at Université de Rennes 1 are available all year round.
To book and for details of visit prices, please email: reservationscolaire-collections@univ-rennes1.fr
The Geology Museum is open to the public all year round except during the university holidays.
Campus de Beaulieu - Bâtiment 5
263 Avenue Général Leclerc, Rennes
Monday to Friday, 9.00 – 16.00
Université de Rennes 1 collections are also housed at the Prehistory Museum in Penmarc’h, Finistère.
For information, please call 02 98 58 60 35
