Since its foundation, the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle(MNHN) has been one of the most revered institutions in natural history. It is not only a museum, but also an epicenter for research, conservation, teaching and the dissemination of knowledge. Its influence extends beyond Paris, with sites in the Île-de-France region and beyond.
If you're looking for a place that combines natural science, paleontology, botany, geology, ecology and zoology, this is the place to go. Its collection, one of the richest in the world, is packed with meteorites, insects, minerals, human skulls, reptiles and prehistoric objects.
Discover the Museum:
Formerly the Royal Garden of Medicinal Plants, the museum has evolved over the centuries. After becoming financially independent in 1907, it expanded by creating laboratories throughout France. Today, not only is the essence of nature to be found here, but also the heritage of research and discovery going back centuries.
A visit to the Musée National d'Histoire Naturelle in Paris is an immersion not only in the natural world, but also in the history and discoveries that have shaped our knowledge. We can assure you that this is a must-see for anyone wishing to marvel at the treasures our planet has to offer.
How to get to the Museum :
Jardin des Plantes Menagerie: closed on October 23 and 24
The Ménagerie at the Jardin des Plantes in Paris is closed on Friday, October 23, and Saturday, October 24, 2026, according to announcements by the National Museum of Natural History. [Read more]
2026 All Saints’ Day school holidays: Events and activities at the National Museum of Natural History in Paris
The Muséum is offering family outings for the 2026 All Saints’ holiday. Please note that there will be partial closures at the Jardin des Plantes on October 23 and 24: the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution will remain open, and Pariscience will go ahead. [Read more]
Tropical autumn, palms, treasures and secrets: the outdoor exhibition at the Jardin des Plantes
The National Museum of Natural History presents an immersive nature experience, nestled in the Grandes Serres at the Jardin des Plantes, from October 15 to November 23, 2026. The exhibition, entitled "Tropical Autumn: Palms, Treasures and Secrets," is now on view in Paris. [Read more]
Halloween 2026 at the Menagerie: snakes, phobias and astonishing animals at the Jardin des Plantes
During the All Saints' holidays in 2026, La Ménagerie presents "Not Even Scared!" — activities for children aged 6 and up to discover the animals that scare us, included in the admission. [Read more]
Artists at the Museum: the National Museum of Natural History marks its 400th anniversary with an exhibition
The National Museum of Natural History in Paris marks its 400th anniversary with a major exhibition blending art, history and science, running from September 23, 2026 to March 7, 2027. Meet the Museum's Artists through the centuries. [Read more]
Visiting the National Museum of Natural History with the family: all you need to know about the Grande Galerie de l'Évolution
Can you visit the National Museum of Natural History with a stroller? What should you see with kids, and do you need a separate ticket for the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution, the Ménagerie, or the Galerie de Paléontologie? At the Jardin des Plantes, the Museum brings together several distinct sites to explore. For a first family outing, the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution is a great entry point. Stroller access, elevators, tickets, duration, and which visits to combine: here’s what to plan for both grown-ups and kids. [Read more]
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]
What to do with children at the Museum of Natural History Family activities and visits
The Museum d'Histoire Naturelle, one of Paris's leading cultural centers, has several locations around the city, with nature, biodiversity and the study of life sciences at the heart of the project. [Read more]
Carnet rose: two baby red pandas are born at the Jardin des Plantes in Paris
It's certainly the cutest news of the moment: two little red pandas have been born at the Jardin des Plantes in Paris. [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]
Discover the Versailles-Chèvreloup Arboretum and its Remarkable Garden
The Arboretum de Versailles-Chèvreloup awaits you all year round in its remarkable 200-hectare park! Come and stroll, picnic or play sport in complete freedom amidst 10,000 trees of over 2,500 different varieties. [Read more]
The Grande Galerie de l'Evolution, the immense museum dedicated to animals from all over the world, in Paris
If you've ever taken a stroll through the Jardin des Plantes in Paris, you'll no doubt have spotted the grand old buildings that stand along the way: this is the Museum of Natural History, of which the Grande Galerie de l'Evolution is a part. [Read more]
Unusual: witness the feeding of the felines at the Jardin des Plantes Menagerie
On certain days of the week, the Jardin des Plantes Menagerie invites you to take part in an exceptional experience in the fauverie, in the heart of the Jardin des Plantes Menagerie, by attending a feline meal. [Read more]
The Durfort Mammoth at the Paris Natural History Museum, restored!
(Re)discover at the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris, the newly restored "Mammouth de Durfort", an icon of paleontology on display since 1898. [Read more]
Visiting Paris with your family: six free game trails for fun walks with children
Visiting Paris is good, but with animations or devices to entertain the children, it is even better! The Paris Mômes team is now offering six new game trails to discover the capital's emblematic neighborhoods with your family! [Read more]
Pariscience 2026: the family-friendly science-film festival returns for the holidays
From October 22 to 26, 2026, Pariscience returns to Paris for its 22nd edition aimed at the general public. Free screenings, documentaries, short films, and Q&As with scientists and filmmakers invite audiences to explore major scientific topics at the National Museum of Natural History and the Institute of Physics of the Globe in Paris. [Read more]
The beautiful Jardin des Plantes rose garden unveils its beautiful colors
The Roseraie du Jardin des Plantes, located along the Galerie de Minéralogie, to the right of the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle or to the left if you're coming from the Seine, is a wonderful place to discover in spring and especially in June. With its 390 species of old and modern roses, it's a magnificent and free rose garden, in addition to the superb rosebushes that stand proudly in front of the Muséum. [Read more]
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Dates and Opening Time
Next days
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.
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.
Location
National Museum of Natural History
57 Rue Cuvier
75005 Paris 5
Route planner
Accessibility info
Prices
Parc du jardin des Plantes: Free
Moins de 26 ans: Free
Grandes Serres: €5 - €7
Galerie de l'évolution: €7 - €13
Galerie de Paléontologie: €7 - €10
Recommended age
For all
Official website
www.mnhn.fr
More information
Opening hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., closed Tuesdays Guided tours (free with ticket): Sundays at 11 a.m., by prior arrangement.
