Curiosity cabinets date back to the Renaissance in Europe, when princes, humanists and collectors of all kinds brought together natural history objects, minerals, animals, shells and ethnographic artifacts in an aesthetic that blended the scientific, the marvelous and the bizarre.
The idea was not just to amass a multitude of objects, but to provoke astonishment and wonder, to bring together the common and the exotic in the same space, and to introduce the public to things they had never seen before.
Over time, collections evolved: some cabinets were structured as natural history museums, while others remained the private or semi-private spaces of collectors. In modern times, the term "cabinet of curiosities" also refers to specialized stores, exhibition galleries and themed art spaces that recreate this atmosphere of weirdness.
In Paris, they still exist. The Maison Deyrolle , for example, has been home to an impressive naturalist and entomologist collection of taxidermy, butterflies, stuffed animals and natural history objects for over a century, but there are many other lesser-known addresses that are just as amazing!
For those who love the unusual and the bizarre, these cabinets of curiosities offer an out-of-the-ordinary dive, a journey through time and the imaginary, perfect for rediscovering Paris in a different way. Here are the best addresses!
Deyrolle, the cabinet of curiosities with 1001 treasures, in the 7th arrondissement of Paris
For almost two hundred years, Deyrolle has been a veritable scientific and educational institution. Located on rue du Bac, this cabinet of curiosities is a veritable goldmine for all: collectors, enthusiasts, families, the curious... [Read more]
The Musée d'Ennery, an incredible secret location a stone's throw from the Arc de Triomphe in Paris
Among the capital's little secrets, the Musée d'Ennery is sure to delight lovers of Asian art. Nestled just off the world's most beautiful avenue, this museum, hidden away in a private mansion, takes us on a veritable journey back in time! [Read more]
The Musée d'Histoire de la Médecine in Paris: a unique showcase of medical curiosities
Curved knives, a hand prosthesis dating back to the 16th century, a trepanning box more than 500 years old, porcelain dentures from the 18th century or the first portable electrocardiograph... all these objects and instruments can be discovered at the incredible Museum of the History of Medicine, nestled at the headquarters of Université Paris Cité. Would you like a tour? [Read more]
Unusual Paris: the incredible Musée des Moulages at Hôpital Saint-Louis
Want to immerse yourself in unusual Paris? We'd like to introduce you to the incredible and fascinating Musée des Moulages, located in the heart of the Hôpital Saint-Louis. Inside this unique place? A collection of over 4,900 medical waxes tracing the history of dermatological diseases, listed as a Monument Historique in 1992. [Read more]
Les Puces de Saint-Ouen, the world's largest antiques market, just outside Paris
On the outskirts of Paris, the town of Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine is famous for its flea market. And if the name of this huge antiques market is reminiscent of that of the little beasts, there are above all centuries of history to discover around this historic market. [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]
The Fragonard Museum at Maisons-Alfort Veterinary School
One of the most unusual museums in Paris and the Île-de-France region is the Musée Fragonard in Maisons-Alfort. Dedicated to veterinary medicine, it presents fascinating exhibits and pathologies for the curious and the thrilled. Sensitive souls please. [Read more]
And also: Curiositas, L'Objet qui parle, Le Cabinet des Curieux, Design & Nature, De Bouche à Oreille
Dark Tourism, discovering the creepiest places in Paris
For lovers of thrilling discoveries and dark tourism, discover the dark side of Paris through secret places and monuments with a fascinating history. [Read more]
Dark Tourism, discovering the creepiest places in Paris
