Housed in the elegant edifice of the National Museum of Natural History, the Gallery of Paleontology and Comparative Anatomy spans three floors: comparative anatomy on the ground floor and paleontology on the two upper levels. Established in 1898 and renovated on its centenary, it offers a 2,500 m² luminous space.

On the ground floor, nearly 1,000 skeletons (modern mammals, birds, reptiles) are displayed alongside eggs, feathers, and integuments. The upper floors feature an impressive fossil collection: dinosaurs (Diplodocus, Tyrannosaurus, Iguanodon, Allosaurus…) including the famous T. rex skull cast (AMNH 5027) acquired in 1913, an authentic Triceratops skull, a genuine Compsognathus, and other prestigious specimens such as Sarcosuchus, the Durfort mammoth, cave hyena, Smilodon and more.

The ambiance is solemn and immersive: period glass ceiling, carefully arranged display cases and wooden bridges guide visitors through a contemplative and educational experience. A chronological route allows one to trace life from the first multicellular organisms (fossil plants & invertebrates) to extinct vertebrates, making the exhibition both coherent and accessible.

This gallery caters to all audiences—families, enthusiastic children, students, science lovers, or architecture admirers. Admission is free for under‑26s, job seekers, beneficiaries of social minima, journalists, and disabled visitors. Guided tours (optional) provide deeper discovery through workshops, guided talks, and scientific activities.

An interesting anecdote: its original electrical system from 1898 remained in use until the 1990s; modernization in 1997–1999 upgraded the system while preserving its historic look. Fossil preparation and conservation areas operate discreetly behind the scenes and are occasionally open for special visitor events.

Practical info: open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last entry 5 p.m.), closed Tuesdays and on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December. In high heat, the gallery may partially close. Not wheelchair‑accessible (numerous stairs); strollers discouraged in favor of baby‑carriers.