Fritz, L'éléphant empaillé, Tours Travel Guide

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Meet Fritz, the stuffed elephant of Tours! A symbol of a bygone era, his story sparks reflection on animal welfare and historical perspectives.

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Fritz, L'éléphant empaillé

Fritz, L'éléphant empaillé, is a stuffed elephant residing in Tours, France. Once a star of the Barnum and Bailey Circus, Fritz met a tragic end in Tours in 1902. His preserved body now stands as a reminder of a bygone era and the complex history of animal exploitation.

A brief summary to Fritz, L'éléphant empaillé

Tours, 37000, FR

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Fritz, L'éléphant empaillé.

Visit the Jardin botanique de Tours after seeing Fritz for a complementary experience with living species.
Reflect on the history of animal exploitation as you observe Fritz, considering the ethical implications of circuses and zoos.
Take a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship involved in preserving Fritz, a testament to the naturalists of the early 20th century.

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Museum of Fine Arts

Jardin botanique de Tours

Château de Tours

Prébendes d'Oé Garden

Tour de l'Horloge

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Getting There

Walking

Fritz is located within the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Tours. From the center of Tours (e.g., Place Jean Jaurès), walk along Rue Nationale towards the Loire River. Turn left onto Quai d'Orléans and continue until you reach the Musée des Beaux-Arts on your right. Enter the museum grounds; Fritz is located in a display case in what were the old stables. Walking is free.
Public Transport

From the Tours train station, take the tram towards 'Hôpital Bretonneau'. Get off at the 'Palais des Sports' stop. From there, walk along Boulevard Heurteloup, then turn right onto Rue de la Préfecture. The Musée des Beaux-Arts will be on your left. Fritz is located within the museum. A single tram ticket costs approximately €1.60.

Discover more about Fritz, L'éléphant empaillé

Fritz, L'éléphant empaillé, is more than just a stuffed animal; he's a poignant piece of Tours' history. Fritz was an Asian elephant who lived in the 19th century. He was captured and eventually sold to the Barnum and Bailey Circus, where he became a popular attraction. In 1902, while the circus was touring in Tours, France, Fritz became uncontrollable and was ultimately killed.Following his death, the circus director donated Fritz's body to the city. To prevent decomposition, the body was sent to Nantes to be stuffed, and the skeleton was reassembled. Since 1910, Fritz has been on display in the former stables of the Musée des Beaux-Arts, a silent witness to the passage of time.Today, Fritz serves as a reminder of the history of animal exploitation in circuses and zoos. While he may appear to be a simple museum exhibit, his story sparks reflection on our relationship with animals. School children in Tours often visit Fritz, learning about his life and the broader context of animal welfare.