National Museum of Natural
History (Musée National D'Histoire Naturelle)
Musée National D'Histoire Naturelle is recognized as one of the three largest museums of natural history in the world today
The National Museum of Natural History in Paris France was established in 1793 and has a very interesting history that actually predates this. It is said the actual origins of the museum are in the medicinal gardens of King Louis XIII or Jardin royal des plantes medicinales, which were later renamed and modified by King Louis XV to simply Jardin du Roi or the Kings Garden which then enabled the gardens to focus on a broader spectrum of natural plants and later on natural history in general.
From 1739 to 1788 the Royal Garden was run under the direction of Georges-Louis Leclerc, de Buffon who was the leading naturalist of his age, the Royal Gardens survived the French Revolution and was later changed under the Republican Government to the Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle. The original aims of the museum were to educate the public and increase the natural collection as much as possible.
There are a number of branches of the museum throughout France but the main one is still in the original location of the Jardin des Plantes, 5th arrondissement of Paris or Metro Place Monge. The museum is recognized as one of the three largest museums of natural history in the world today and is also recognized legally as the National Reference Centre or the Natural World.
The museum's huge collection is estimated to exceed 60 million specimens from a variety of disciplines including geology, botany, palaeontology, zoology and anthropology.
One of the biggest attractions at the museum is the world famous Great Gallery of Evolution which is an enormous, slightly overwhelming space that houses an incredible array of species and specimens from throughout our natural history. These range from dinosaur skeletons and fossils to extinct species of animals and a very detailed look at how these different species including man have evolved over the years. The museum itself has evolved with the times and presents a number of installations with interactive mediums as well.
Nearby attraction: Jardin des Plantes
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: YesMusée National d’Histoire Naturelle Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Address: 57 Rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris, France
Phone: 01 40 79 56 01
Official Website: Musée National d’Histoire Naturelle
Musée National d’Histoire Naturelle Reviews
Rated out of 5
The National Museum of Natural History is really worth visiting. The building is very interesting in itself and absolutely filled with remains of all sorts of life. We saw skeleton displays of dinosaurs all the way to modern animals. We wish there was an English translation of the descriptions but it was easy to follow. A great collection for anyone interested in natural history.
Louis and Elaine - a month ago
All is extremely organized and the collection is amazing and well curated! I had a lot of fun! A great place to visit with kids as they all live the animals. The queue was short but on busy days it may be longer.
Gabriela Luz - a month ago
Visiting during non-peak period, Winter, weekday was good timing (more by luck, than planning). Staff friendly and helpful. The building is truly magnficent, its a superb venue. It's open and the lighting makes for a quiet,calm environment. The displays are really good. Take your time, its a wonderful place to learn or just let your mind wander. There are refreshments available and toilets. Great way to spend an afternoon!
Tony Iasiello - 4 months ago
1. OK, take a deep breath and read the review as I will try to clear few doubts
2. While booking, I was unable to understand the ticket pricing and the sections
3. So had to visit and find out myself
4. there are different mueseums for different artefacts
5. THIS MUESEUM DOESN'T HOUSE THE DINOSAURS
6. THIS ONE HAS ONLY REAL STUFFED ANIMALS ON DISPLAY. If you want to have a look at dinos, the mueseum is further up and a totally different building and different ticket
7. we went there with the kid to look at dinos but were disappointed at the beginning
8. But still we enjoyed our time out there as the 4 floors have lot many animals to watch and learn about
9. the mueseum also runs paid workshops and shows in case some is interested. Mueseum also has tainted glasses and at frequent intervals they simulate thunderstorms, which is interesting
10. So best will be, enter the building after security check, there after go to the INFORMATION counter and find out all about this mueseum, the shows, workshops and the other mueseums nearby, like the Dino one and other to do with earth elements
11. there is a small cafe on 2nd floor, hence you can take a break and again resume
12. washrooms are available on all floors for the convenience
mukul khare - a month ago
Gorgeous but...
As a not frequent museum goer I have to say this is an amazing museum.
Four floors of stunning beauty clever design and magnificent exhibits.
But... nothing is in English except the museum map. It takes so much energy to translate everything via my phone and completely breaks any immersion.
If you speak French 11/10 recommended, if not brace yourself and charge your phone to 100% before going, you will need it.
Mi-xali Weird Mister - 4 months ago
Directions
| Metro / RER Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| M7 or M10 | Jussieu Station | 5 minutes |
| M5 | Quai de la Rapée Station | 5 minutes |
How to get to Musée National d’Histoire Naturelle by Metro / RER
By Metro: Exit Metro M7 or M10 at Jussieu Station and go to your left walking straight south along Rue Linne to the entrance via the gate at the southeast corner or exit Metro M5 at Quai de la Rapée Station and go to your right throught the plaza and right again across Pont d'Austerlistz (Bridge) to the entrance gate on the far side of the traffic circle and make your way through the gardens to the entrance.
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Photo Gallery
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Entomology showcase inside Museum National D'Histoire Naturelle cc licensed photo by girolame -
Photo Credit: conall.. - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: So_P - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: So_P - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: So_P - cc license via Flickr
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