OSSAU HOUSE - ARUDY MUSEUM
This magnificent building, classified as a historical monument, houses the museum of Arudy and the National Park
The Maison d'Ossau is above all a magnificent building classified as a historical monument. A former 17th century secular abbey, it has been home to the Arudy and National Park Museum since 1972. The 4 floors are devoted to archaeology, pastoralism and popular culture of the valley. The history of the first hunters from prehistoric times to the first pastoralists of the region is retraced as in the Arudy sector, exceptional caves have been discovered and some are still being excavated. The Ice Age left bones of bison, woolly rhino or buffalo gathered here through a rare collection. Megalithic monuments and remains visible as far as the garden where a Bronze Age monolith and a Roman column from Bielle are on display are also waiting for you. From the house, you will notice its monumental facade and its sculpted pediment. Stone fireplaces, a schist paving, a 17th century carved staircase and an 18th century marble fountain complete this must-see museum.
The Pyrenees National Park: its three rooms recall its missions of preservation and enhancement of natural areas. The mountain pastoralism is obviously evoked as well as the emblematic animals of the territory. To discover them, bears, griffon vultures and little desman are presented, naturalized they are splendid. You will also find a remarkable exhibition of beetles and bats, very numerous in the cave of Espalungue, as well as major elements of wild flora and geology.
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