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Exhibitions

The Cave Art of Lascaux: a Virtual Reality Experience

Step back in time 21,000 years and vis­it the incred­i­ble Stone Age cave art of Las­caux in immer­sive 3D.

This world heritage site in the Dordogne, France, was discovered in 1940 by two teenagers. It features etched and painted images large and small, of many animals. These include bison, horses, ibex, large cats and even a rhinoceros. There are also mysterious symbols and abstract elements.

International teams of experts have spent decades researching and analysing the images, working out how they were made and what they might mean.

The site itself has been closed to the public since 1963, but there is a full size replica of the cave complex in France. Now, using the latest technology, you can ‘visit’ the caves on your own doorstep.

Explore the drawings in detail and learn how they were found, preserved and recreated. Discover ‘invisible’ engravings and hear from experts about the original purpose of the site.

The exhibition also features displays on Cro-Magnon (early European modern human) life and culture. There are replicas of objects found on the cave floor, and stunning life-size sculptures of a Cro-Magnon family.

Please note the Virtual Reality experience is only suitable for children aged 7+. Younger children can go into the exhibition, but for safety cannot use the VR headsets because of their size and spatial processing ability. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult who will also need a ticket. The experience is accessible for wheelchair users and other disabled visitors, but please contact us before booking if you have any questions about accessibility.

This exhibition was created by The Departmental Council of Dordogne, with support provided by the Regional Council of New Aquitaine, the French Ministry of Culture and Communication, and the European Union. The worldwide tour is organized by the SPL Lascaux, international exhibition.