For this 2024 edition, we have chosen to tell you how in the 18th century, French scientific expeditions changed our vision of the world and prepared the innovations of today.
In the former rooms of the library, find the Archimuse association for a «continuous» presentation of old works from the collections of the documentary heritage of the University of Bordeaux. Sometimes acquired at the risk of their lives and at the cost of many years spent exploring and collecting, The data gathered by these scientists during their expeditions to the 4 corners of the world are at the origin of the current geographical coordinates and geolocation systems such as GPS, used daily for our routes, mobilities and communication networks.
On the way to South America! Follow in the footsteps of Charles Marie de La Condamine through his Travel diary in Ecuador (1751) to determine the figure of the Earth by measuring the Quito meridian, with new scientific methods and instruments.
Climb the Chimborazo, the highest Andean volcano in the world, more than 6,384 kilometers from the center of the Earth and admire the masterful map drawn by Humboldt and Bonpland, in their Essay on the geography of plants in equinoctial regions (1807) or the beautiful botanical plates brought back from their trip.
Finally, after the effort, take a break: tea, coffee or chocolate? Three curious little medical treatises from the very end of the seventeenth century will be an opportunity to evoke and reconsider the production, trade and our uses of these drinks formerly unknown and now «globalized» which have long transited through the port of Bordeaux.
To close this presentation, available for young and old, folding and coloring inspired by our heritage collections and some gourmet recipes to collect.