Located in the Passy wing of the Palais de Chaillot overlooking Trocadéro gardens, the Museum of Mankind invites visitors to explore the human species. Fully renovated between 2009–2015 at a cost of €52 M, it features some 16,000 m² of interactive and modern layout, highlighted by the stunning Galerie de l’Homme under the historic Davioud glass roof.

Its origins stem from the 16th‑century Royal Cabinet and the 1882 Trocadéro Ethnographic Museum, later moved to the Chaillot Palace in 1937 under the leadership of Paul Rivet. During WWII, the museum became a symbol of resistance.

The exhibition revolves around three fundamental questions: Who are we? (diversity, culture, anatomy), Where do we come from? (evolution, Paleolithic era, fossils like Lucy and Neanderthals), and Where are we going? (future, genetics, societal challenges). Highlights include the Venus of Lespugue sculpture, Cro‑Magnon and Neanderthal skulls, anatomical waxes, the Language Wall, and a Peruvian mummy.

The atmosphere is bright, immersive and educational, geared towards families (age 6+), science enthusiasts, students, and anthropology buffs. Guided tours, children’s workshops, game booklets, and lectures enrich the visitor experience. School groups benefit from tailored programs.

Practical info: Open daily except Tuesdays from 11 am–7 pm (last entry at 6:15 pm, evacuation at 6:45 pm). Closed Jan 1, May 1, July 14 and Dec 25. Easy access via metro lines 6 & 9 (Trocadéro, exit 6), buses 22, 32, 30, 63, 72, river shuttles, Vélib’, and parking at Kléber‑Longchamp (300 m away; 3 PMR spaces). Wheelchair friendly; no scooters allowed .

A notable anecdote: in 1940, Paul Rivet posted Kipling’s If on the museum’s front door as a gesture of defiance against Nazi forces . In 2024, a Kàlina chamanic ceremony honored ancestral remains, a profound cultural event.