The Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) are back in Paris, and everyone's on the lookout for a great deal for this exceptional weekend. It's often the children's favorite museum, and with good reason: the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle has something for every curious mind , with its sensational exhibitions, impressive permanent collections, activities and numerous areas dedicated to the science of life. So when the time comes to find out more about this must-see place and its treasures, there's no question of missing out.
As every year, the Muséum national d'histoire naturelle and the Jardin des Plantes are taking part in the European Heritage Days to highlight our natural heritage, from flora to fauna.
On the weekend of September 20 and 21, 2025, the magnificent Jardin des Plantes and the museum library will be in the spotlight. A variety of tours and events invite you to explore these fascinating spaces, which may well surprise you. Herbaria, stuffed animals, sculptures and works of art, scientific writings, natural rocks, tools, photographs, rare plants... The Museum's collections take many forms.
In 1989, sculptor Patrice Alexandre chose the slopes of the Jardin des Plantes' Grand Labyrinthe to install his Hommage à Saint-John Perse.
He returns to the Jardin in 2025 for an unprecedented dialogue with François Pompon 's animal sculptures housed in the Bibliothèque centrale du Muséum. Hippopotamus, eagle-owl, rabbits, bear, elephant: the familiar figures of Pompon's Art Deco animals come to life against contemporary terracotta sculptures by Patrice Alexandre.
Dive into the history of the Paris Basin in the company of paleontologists and librarians from the Muséum national d'histoire naturelle. Take a behind-the-scenes look at our collections and research work.
It's no coincidence that the term paleontology was coined at the Muséum: naturalists, led by Cuvier, have been studying the archives of the Earth's history for over 200 years.
This tour takes you from the reserves of the Central Library to those of the Paleontology collections, in the footsteps of researchers who are tracing the history of life in the Paris Basin some 45 million years ago.
In direct connection with the exhibition of his work at the Médiathèque, sculptor Patrice Alexandre will be leading an introductory modeling workshop for teenagers (10 - 16).
An opportunity to learn more about handling this multi-faceted material, and the thousand ways in which it can be used to best illustrate one's imagination.
In La tête de mort venue de Suède, Daria Schmitt imagines the adventures of philosopher René Descartes' skull in the Museum's comparative anatomy collections. On Saturday, September 20, she will retrace the creation of her comic strip in dialogue with paleontologist Ronan Allain.
During an artist residency at the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Daria Schmitt worked with paleontologist Ronan Allain and systematist Guillaume Lecointre on her new book. The artist drew as much inspiration from the paleontology and comparative anatomy collections as from the building housing them, skilfully staged in a dreamlike marriage of art and science.
During this exceptional event, Daria Schmitt and Ronan Allain will once again be reunited, to present their work and recount how their exchanges nourished the creation of La tête de mort venue de Suède.
The poet Saint-John Perse, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1960, left us 50 years ago.
His work, nourished by his adventurous life, inspires artist Patrice Alexandre. His sculpture Hommage à Saint-John Perse has stood in the Jardin des plantes, at the foot of the Labyrinthe, since 1989.
For the European Heritage Days and the anniversary of the poet's death, discover the history ofHommage à Saint-John Perse with its creator. An exceptional opportunity to take a fresh look at one of the most intriguing sculptures in the Jardin des plantes.
Digital treasure hunt: "The strange disappearance of the botanist".
----------------------------------------------------------------
Panic at the Jardin des Plantes! A botanist from the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle has disappeared without a trace, leaving her colleagues very worried! But what's happened? What could she be working on? And above all, where could she be? With the help of your smartphone, come and try to solve this mystery and discover the secrets of the Jardin des Plantes, with this fun treasure hunt to be completed independently, alone, with the family or in a group.
Requires a smartphone: digital treasure hunt to be completed on the Baludik app via the QR Code on this page https://www.jardindesplantesdeparis.fr/fr/experience/jeu-de-piste-numerique
Literary and historical walk in the Garden
-----------------------------------------------------
### A guided tour to discover the history and role of the Jardin des Plantes, punctuated by selected literary extracts.
Did you know that the Jardin des Plantes has existed for over 4 centuries? That it has borne other names throughout its history? That when it was created, it wasn't located in the heart of Paris, but in one of its seedy suburbs?
Let's set off together to discover its history, mysteries and anecdotes, in the company of texts by Jean-Baptiste Pujoulx, who published his own guide to the Garden in 1804.
Saturday, September 20 and Sunday, September 21, 2025, 11 a.m.
Meet at the Grande Galerie de l'Évolution reception desk
Ages 12 and up
Free
What better way to get out and about in one of the capital's most beautiful settings? Who's up for an exciting weekend with the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle and the Jardin des Plantes?
Dates and Opening Time
From September 20, 2025 to September 21, 2025
Location
National Museum of Natural History
57 Rue Cuvier
75005 Paris 5
Prices
Free
Recommended age
For all
Official website
www.mnhn.fr
