Inaugurated in 1994, the Grande Galerie de l'Evolution is one of the highlights of the Museum d'Histoire Naturelle in Paris, which also includes the Galerie de paléontologie et d'anatomie comparée, the Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes, the Galerie de Géologie et de Minéralogie, the Grandes Serres du Jardin des Plantes, the Musée de l'Homme and the Vincennes Zoo, as well as other sites throughout France. An unusual place, the Galerie de l'Évolution takes you to the four corners of the world, on land and in the waters of our planet, in an immersive space for all ages to discover!
On the first floor, plunge into the seas and oceans of our planet and discover the great marine mammals, big fish, crustaceans and lobsters. On the second floor, you're now on dry land, where you'll come face to face with small and large land animals from every continent on Earth: from lions to elephants (in the beautifully named African Caravan), gazelles, antelopes, zebras, polar bears, tapirs... It's a chance to observe these animals at close quarters, even more so than at the zoo!
On the upper floors, the Gallery explains the diversity of species, the theories of evolution, the laws of genetics... And the role and impact of mankind on biodiversity and animals. One room is dedicated to extinct or endangered animal species: it's here that we discover species such as the giant panda, the dodo, certain species of lions and even birds!
The big plus of the Galerie de l'Évolution - in addition to the truly brilliant collections - is thesound and light ambiance of the place, which reproduces that ofa day on the savannah, from dawn to dusk.
The Galerie is open every day from 10am to 6pm, except Tuesdays, and costs €13 full price, €10 reduced price, and under-26s are free! The Galerie is accessible to people with reduced mobility, but due to elevator maintenance, the Grande Galerie floors are inaccessible (before your visit, we recommend that you call the museum to check on accessibility).
You can get there by metro: line 5 (Gare d'Austerlitz stop), line 7 (Censier Daubenton stop), line 10 (Jussieu or Gare d'Austerlitz stop) or RER C (Gare d'Austerlitz stop).
Following in the footsteps of dinosaurs: an immersive exhibit at the Great Gallery of Evolution at the Museum
Step into the shoes of paleontologists and embark on a journey to explore the world of dinosaurs. This engaging and immersive educational exhibition will be on display from July 16, 2026, through January 2028. [Read more]
Grande Galerie de l'Evolution: discover the children's workshops, a storytelling tour every Saturday
Every Saturday, the Grande Galerie de l'Evolution offers a weekly event for families with children. Welcome to the little ones' Saturdays! [Read more]
Night of Museums 2026: Free Evening Event at the Grande Galerie of Evolution, Museum
The Natural History Museum of Paris will be taking part in the Night of Museums on Saturday, May 23, 2026. This is the perfect opportunity to revisit the Grande Galerie de l'Évolution — and best of all, admission is free! Below is the detailed lineup for this unmissable evening event. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
Next days
Wednesday:
from 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.
Thursday:
from 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.
Friday:
from 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.
Saturday:
from 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.
Sunday:
from 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.
Monday:
from 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.
Location
Grande Galerie de l'Evolution
36 Rue Geoffroy-Saint-Hilaire
75005 Paris 5
Official website
www.mnhn.fr
