The Muséum de Tours is a museum dedicated to science and natural history. Its collection dates back to 1780, but it was officially inaugurated as a museum in 1828. A large part of the rich collection was lost during the bombings of 1940. The museum itinerary features numerous naturalized animals, many of which testify to the fauna of the Touraine, the territory located in the Loire basin. There are also numerous naturalized animals from all continents. In the museum there is also a vivarium where different species of snakes, reptiles, turtles, fish and insects are presented in their biodiversity, as well as a section of mineralogy, geology, paleontology and botany. The museum organizes various temporary exhibitions, often with the aim of raising public awareness of various issues relating to biodiversity.