Discover the treasures of the Paris Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle - program

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:

• Jardin des Plantes: A magnificent botanical collection, including a rose garden, an ecological garden and a vegetable garden. Open free every day from 8 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.
  
• Grande Galerie de l'Évolution: Discover an incredible variety of species, from the imposing skeleton of a southern right whale to coral reefs, and immerse yourself in the studies of Darwin or Lamarck. The gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. except Tuesdays.
  
• Menagerie: A space housing more than 1,000 species of animals, some of them on the brink of extinction. Monday to Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays and public holidays: 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.
  
• Grandes Serres: Four majestic greenhouses reflecting various ecosystems: tropical forests, deserts, New Caledonia and plant evolution. Open daily except Tuesdays.
  
• Galerie de Minéralogie et de Géologie (Mineralogy and Geology Gallery ): This gallery's collections, recognized as some of the most prestigious and oldest in the world, include meteorites from Mars, imposing crystals and magnificent rocks and minerals. These priceless specimens tell the story of the Earth and the entire solar system. Open daily except Tuesdays.
  
• The Gallery of Paleontology and Comparative Anatomy : Examining similarities and distinctions is the very essence of comparative anatomy, enabling a better understanding of the living world. As for paleontology, it plunges us into the past by analyzing fossils. Explore the gallery devoted to these two fields, an emblematic space of science, heritage and history at the heart of the Museum. Open every day except Tuesdays.
  
• The Botanical Gallery, home to the world's oldest herbarium.
  

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 :

• Gare d'Austerlitz (line 10, RER C)
• Jussieu (lines 7 and 10)
• Place Monge (line 7)
• Censier-Daubenton (line 7)

To discover:

In the process of illumination: Lumières de la nature: the winter nocturnal festival at the Jardin des Plantes
This winter, from November 12, 2025 to January 18, 2026, don't miss En voie d'illumination: Lumières de la nature, a magical nocturnal tour of Paris for young and old alike. [Read more]

Deserts: the extended scientific exhibition at the Natural History Museum in Paris
The National Museum of Natural History in Paris takes us to the most extreme corners of the planet with the exhibition "Deserts," open from April 2, 2025, to April 19, 2026. [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 Jardin Alpin at the Jardin des Plantes, a lovely hidden garden to discover
The Jardin des Plantes conceals a magnificent alpine garden. Located between the Grandes Serres and the Menagerie, this garden, which has no entrance doors, is accessible via a hidden underground passage. Here you can discover the rock gardens and wild mountain plants. It's a haven of peace to be (re)discovered all year round. [Read more]

Missing Worlds: get up close to dinosaurs in virtual reality at Bercy Village - our test
Ready to cross paths with dinosaurs at Bercy Village? From July 6, 2024, we're taking a leap into the past, thanks to an extraordinary immersive virtual reality experience that will take us through the history of the Earth. [Read more]

The Galerie de Paléontologie et d'Anatomie Comparée, the Museum's nugget in the Jardin des Plantes
You've heard of the Muséum and the Galerie de l'évolution, but what about the Galerie de Paléontologie et d'Anatomie comparée, nestling at the entrance to the Jardin des Plantes on the Gare d'Austerlitz side? From living creatures to extinct dinosaurs, discover the world of bones in this sublime museum, well worth a visit. [Read more]

• To be read
• This week's top deals in Paris and Île-de-France, from December 22 to 28, 2025
• Free museums and landmarks: Must-visit sites this Sunday, January 4th, in Paris and Île-de-France
• Free museums and monuments in Paris and the Ile-de-France region: cultural tips

Discover the treasures of the Jardin des Plantes in Paris
Paris's Jardin des Plantes is home to a number of historical and unusual sights that are well worth a visit. We reveal 8 treasures to discover in this 24-hectare haven of peace, one of the most beautiful parks in Paris. [Read more]

La Menagerie du Jardin des Plantes, the oldest zoo in Paris
The Menagerie, or rather the zoo of the Jardin des Plantes, belongs to the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle. Located next to the famous Jardin des Plantes, it's not only the oldest zoo in Paris, opened in 1794, it's also an area well worth a visit. Every day, hundreds of animals live in 5.5 hectares of greenery. Come and discover them! [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]

Discover the unusual Lion Fountain in the Jardin des Plantes : History and curiosities
Do you know the Lion Fountain in the Jardin des Plantes? Located near the entrance on rue Geoffroy Saint Hilaire, this work of art dating from 1863 awaits you at the foot of Buffon's labyrinth. We tell you all about it. [Read more]

Did you know? Discover France's oldest cedar of Lebanon in Paris and its unusual history.
In the heart of Paris, the Jardin des Plantes is home to a historical curiosity: the oldest cedar of Lebanon in France. Planted in 1734, its history is a mixture of botany, legend and an incredible journey. Let's take a green walk through Buffon's labyrinth to discover this remarkable 300-year-old tree. [Read more]

Did you know? The Gloriette de Buffon is the oldest metal structure in Paris.
In the heart of Paris's 5th arrondissement, the Jardin des Plantes is home to the mysterious and historic Gloriette de Buffon, dating from 1786. Discover a hidden treasure. [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]

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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