Venue and itinerary at the Old Naval School

Established in 1722, the Rochefort Naval Medical School was the first of its kind in the world. For more than 240 years, it has trained the surgeons on board the King's ships. In the 19th century, the medical officers who studied there took an active part in voyages of exploration, prepared by their scientific training and motivated by their desire to understand the world in all its diversity.

Amassed in the 18th century to contribute to the training of ship's surgeons, the collections were further enriched thanks to voyages of exploration. These objects and works, as well as the ways they are presented and classified, are those of the scientists and physicians of 150 years ago. For today's visitors, the discovery is first and foremost a sensory experience, immersion in the scientific world of the 18th and 19th centuries and confrontation with their imaginations. Preserving its 19th-century appearance, this compelling venue opens onto a dense history, retracing the adventures through which scientists have contributed to knowledge of the human body and understanding of the world in all its diversity. An essential visit to understand Rochefort and the naval dockyard’s maritime adventure.