The Cave Art of Lascaux: a Virtual Reality Experience at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

About

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 lifesize 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 the museum before booking if you have any questions about accessibility.

Tickets:

£15*/£17** adult (16+)
£10*/£11.50** child age 7-15
£10*/£11.50** concession
£7.50*/£8.50** with ArtPass
Under 7s free (please note Virtual Reality experience is not available for under 7s)
Family tickets available

Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.

Concessions
Concessions are available with proof of identity for people over 65, NHS staff, unemployed people, disabled people (carers free), young people aged 16–24 and Friends of Bristol Museums, Galleries and Archives.

*weekday tickets, **weekend tickets

Tickets are limited and available in half hourly time slots. Please arrive promptly for your visit, but be aware you may still have to wait a short time for entry and for a VR headset to become available.