The document summarizes the discovery and exploration of the Lascaux cave paintings in France. In 1940, four teenagers discovered the cave when a fallen tree revealed an entrance. Over the following years, archaeologists explored the cave and found several galleries decorated with Paleolithic art dated to be over 17,000 years old. The paintings depicted various animal and human figures. However, in 1963 the cave had to be closed to visitors due to harmful mold growth caused by changes in air quality from tourism. A replica cave was opened to allow the public to experience the prehistoric art. The cave paintings provide insight into the culture and beliefs of the Paleolithic people who created them over 17,000 years ago.