TréZOOR

History and heritage of the Museum and the Zoological Institute. Various heritage objects are worthy of being designated as "Zoological Heritage Treasures" and are on display in the TréZOOr room. 

History of the collections 

This permanent museum space traces the history of the University's natural science collections from 1817 to ... "and tomorrow?", focusing on illustrious figures from the Institute such as Édouard Van Beneden and Marcel Dubuisson. The art of taxidermy, the naturalisation of specimens, is illustrated by comparing old and new methods! Visitors can also (re)discover the two works that frame the room: the Lismonde stained glass window and Paul Delvaux's Genesis. 

Roles of a university museum

A university museum must make its collections accessible and showcase them so that everyone can benefit from them. It also plays an important role in educating the public - both schools and families - and tackles current issues (global warming, endangered species, etc.). The museum is a place where specimens, old specimens and extinct species are kept, enabling researchers to examine them or carry out genetic analyses.

Missing animals 

Animal species become extinct every year. In the "TréZOOr" room, you can discover how animals such as the Dodo, the Huia, the Migratory Pigeon and the Tasmanian Wolf became extinct. Naturalised specimens, sculptures and casts will show you what they must have looked like at the time. Screens and panels tell the story of these animals and their extinction.

Didactic models 

In 1886, Professor Édouard Van Beneden, founder of the Zoological Institute, commissioned 77 glass animal models from the famous glassmakers Léopold Blaschka and his son Rudolf Blaschka to illustrate the zoology lessons. A few years later, he ordered wax models to illustrate the lessons on embryonic development and parasites. Once teaching objects, the Blaschka and wax models are now considered to be genuine works of art, combining artistic sensitivity with scientific rigour. An irreplaceable heritage!

Testimonial: Isabelle Pirotte, curator-restorer of glass and ceramics - what a job!