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

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.

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.

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 :

Annette Messager at the Museum of Hunting and Nature: An Exhibition Exploring the Relationship Between Animals and Humans
The Museum of Hunting and Nature in Paris is presenting a groundbreaking exhibition by artist Annette Messager, focused on animal imagery and its artistic reimagining. Running from April 14 to September 20, 2026, the show is titled "A Swallow Doesn't Make Spring." It features a mix of installations, hybrid artworks, and iconic pieces that engage in a compelling dialogue with the museum's existing collections. [Read more]

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]

Heritage Days 2026 at the Museum of Hunting and Nature in Paris — the program
And how about a visit to the Museum of Hunting and Nature on September 19 and 20, 2026, for Heritage Days? On the program: free, self-guided tours of the museum and its exhibition! A wonderful discovery awaits. [Read more]

Lionel Sabatté Exhibition at the Museum of Hunting and Nature: when animals reclaim their wild side
The Museum of Hunting and Nature in Paris presents Lionel Sabatté's exhibition "Ce qui reste" from October 15, 2026 to March 21, 2027. Paintings, sculptures, drawings and tapestries explore the animal figure, matter, and the cycles of life. [Read more]