The Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature in Paris: an exploration of the human-animal relationship

Published by Rizhlaine de Sortiraparis, Cécile de Sortiraparis · Photos by Cécile de Sortiraparis · Updated on August 17, 2025 at 05:54 p.m. · Published on December 26, 2023 at 11:30 a.m.
Nestled in the Marais district of Paris, the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature offers a unique insight into hunting, nature and the complex relationship between man and animal. This unusual museum invites visitors to discover an exceptional collection, while encouraging reflection on our relationship with flora and fauna.

The Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature was founded in Paris in 1964 by François and Jacqueline Sommer, both passionate about hunting and nature. The museum's mission is to question man's place in nature, and to encourage reflection on hunting, biodiversity and the coexistence of man and animal. It is housed in two mansions, theHôtel de Guénégaud and theHôtel de Mongelas, dating from the 17th and 18th centuries respectively, and features richly decorated rooms, ornate ceilings and secret gardens. It is in this historic setting that we are invited to immerse ourselves in the museum's collections.

Musée de la chasse et de la nature - collections permanentes et visuels - IMG20241209150553Musée de la chasse et de la nature - collections permanentes et visuels - IMG20241209150553Musée de la chasse et de la nature - collections permanentes et visuels - IMG20241209150553Musée de la chasse et de la nature - collections permanentes et visuels - IMG20241209150553

The museum boasts a varied collection of over 7,000 pieces exploring the relationship between man and nature over the centuries. Among the most remarkable pieces are ancient weapons, hunting trophies, contemporary artworks, photographs and sculptures. The museum also houses a collection of naturalized animals, and among these stuffed creatures are some surprising species, including a bizarre cockerel and a narwhal tooth.

In addition to its permanent collections, the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature regularly presents temporary exhibitions on a variety of themes relating to hunting, nature and conservation. These exhibitions invite in-depth reflection on contemporary issues relating to biodiversity, environmental protection and the relationship between man and animal. The museum also organizes a rich and varied cultural program, including lectures, workshops, meetings with artists, concerts and film screenings. These events aim to broaden visitors' horizons and encourage discussion around these essential themes.

Musée de la chasse et de la nature - collections permanentes et visuels - IMG20241209152724Musée de la chasse et de la nature - collections permanentes et visuels - IMG20241209152724Musée de la chasse et de la nature - collections permanentes et visuels - IMG20241209152724Musée de la chasse et de la nature - collections permanentes et visuels - IMG20241209152724

To help you plan your visit to the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature, here is some practical information:

  • Opening hours: The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 6pm. Closed on Mondays and public holidays. We recommend checking the exact opening times on the website before your visit. A nocturne awaits you every Wednesday until 9:30pm.

  • Admission: The museum is open to the public for €12 full price, €10 concessions. The museum is free on the first Sunday of the month. Admission is free for children under 18.

  • Access: The Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature is easily accessible by public transport. You can take metro line 1 (Saint-Paul station) or metro line 8 (Chemin Vert station).

News from the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature :

La Licorne, l’Étoile et la Lune : l’exposition du duo Lamarche-Ovize à voir au Musée de la Chasse - IMG 9481La Licorne, l’Étoile et la Lune : l’exposition du duo Lamarche-Ovize à voir au Musée de la Chasse - IMG 9481La Licorne, l’Étoile et la Lune : l’exposition du duo Lamarche-Ovize à voir au Musée de la Chasse - IMG 9481La Licorne, l’Étoile et la Lune : l’exposition du duo Lamarche-Ovize à voir au Musée de la Chasse - IMG 9481 La Licorne, l'Étoile et la Lune: the Lamarche-Ovize exhibition at the Musée de la Chasse
The Florentine and Alexandre Lamarche-Ovize duo take over the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature with "La Licorne, l'Étoile et la Lune", an immersive exhibition combining art, dream habitat and dream landscapes, on view from October 14, 2025 to March 8, 2026. [Read more]

Le musée de la Chasse et de la nature de Paris évolueLe musée de la Chasse et de la nature de Paris évolueLe musée de la Chasse et de la nature de Paris évolueLe musée de la Chasse et de la nature de Paris évolue The Museum of Hunting and Nature in Paris is evolving
The Musée de la Chasse closed its doors in 2019 to carry out expansion work. It also took the opportunity to enrich its collections and review its scenography, in order to question the relationship of Man to living things. Reopening planned for spring 2021. [Read more]

Le salon littéraire "Lire la nature" revient au musée de la Chasse et de la NatureLe salon littéraire "Lire la nature" revient au musée de la Chasse et de la NatureLe salon littéraire "Lire la nature" revient au musée de la Chasse et de la NatureLe salon littéraire "Lire la nature" revient au musée de la Chasse et de la Nature Read Nature 2026: The Free Literary Fair at the Museum of Hunting and Nature
The Lire la Nature fair brings together book lovers at the Museum of Hunting and Nature on January 31 and February 1, 2026. The event features author meet-and-greets, panel discussions, and a variety of free activities. [Read more]

Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
Starts December 21, 2025

× Approximate opening times: to confirm opening times, please contact the establishment.

    Location

    60, rue des Archives
    75003 Paris 3

    Route planner

    Accessibility info

    Access
    M°Arts et Métiers

    Official website
    www.chassenature.org

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