The Musée de Minéralogie, located in the heart of Paris's 6ᵉ arrondissement, is a hidden treasure housing one of the world's most extensive mineral collections. Located just a stone's throw from the Jardin du Luxembourg, it is one of France's oldest museums, founded shortly after the creation of the École des Mines de Paris, originally used to train engineers specializing in the exploitation of mining resources.
While only a selection of 4,000 samples is on public display, the museum boasts an immense collection of almost 100,000 minerals, rocks, ores, meteorites, gems and artificial crystals. These little treasures are nestled in the equally sublime Hôtel Vendôme, where theEcole des Mines has been based since 1815. At the top of a monumental staircase leading to the museum, you'll discover superb frescoes by Claude Hugard on the theme of nature, painted in the 19th century.
The museum is located in the ceremonial apartments on the second floor, and displays the crystals in elegant Hungarian oak furniture and display cases. Highlights include minerals from all over the world in spectacular colors and shapes, meteorites from the farthest reaches of our solar system, and precious and fine gems, including the French Crown Jewels.
A must-see for science enthusiasts, lovers of beautiful stones or simply those curious to discover the hidden wonders of our planet. The museum is open from Tuesday to Friday, with prices ranging from 4 to 6 euros, but is free for under-26s. To get to the museum, take RER B and get off at Luxembourg.
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Dates and Opening Time
Next days
Tuesday:
from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- from 01:30 p.m. to 06:00 p.m.
Wednesday:
from 01:30 p.m. to 06:00 p.m.
Thursday:
from 01:30 p.m. to 06:00 p.m.
Friday:
from 01:30 p.m. to 06:00 p.m.
Saturday:
from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- from 02:00 p.m. to 05:00 p.m.
Location
Museum of Mineralogy Mines Paris - PSL
60, boulevard Saint Michel
75006 Paris 6
Prices
Tarif réduit: €4
Tarif plein: €7
Official website
www.musee.minesparis.psl.eu
