A new reproduction of the famous prehistoric Lascaux cave in France will open its doors in December 2016. Lascaux IV will be the most complete replica of the cave to date, close to the original site and recreating almost all of the 900 square metres of Palaeolithic paintings decorating the rocks of the original shelter.

Located in Dordogne, South of France, the Lascaux cave is one of the most important archaeological finds of the 20th century. It was discovered in 1940 by chance, not by an experienced team of scientists, but by an 18-year-old boy named Marcel Ravidat, with his dog and three of his friends.

The cave displays some of the world's richest collection of paintings from the Palaeolithic era, with more than 2,000 figures of men, animals and abstract symbols represented. Shades of red, yellow and black dominate as the paintings were created using mineral pigments. It was being damaged by carbon dioxide, heat and humidity produced by the visitors. Since then, only a limited number of scientists is allowed to enter, for short periods, for research purposes.

In 1983, Lascaux II, a partial reproduction of the cave, was opened 200m away to allow the public to admire some of the artwork without damaging the originals. However, not all the rooms were recreated. Visitors were only shown a replica of the most impressive parts of the rock shelter, the great Hall of Bulls, with the famous paintings of stags, bulls and horses, and the Painted Gallery.