Founded in 1793 on the site of the 1635 Royal Garden of Medicinal Plants, the National Museum of Natural History in Paris is one of the world’s oldest scientific institutions. Located in the 5th arrondissement, it comprises several key sites: the free-access Jardin des Plantes (about 27 ha), the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution, the Gallery of Palaeontology and Comparative Anatomy, the Grandes Serres, and the Menagerie.

The Grande Galerie de l’Évolution, open daily from 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Tuesdays), showcases hundreds of naturalized specimens: whale skeletons, elephants, sharks, corals… It provides both scientific immersion and biodiversity awareness, including a virtual reality cabinet.

The Gallery of Palaeontology and Comparative Anatomy, built in 1898, features dinosaur skeletons and a journey through evolutionary time.

The Grandes Serres, closed Tuesdays, open April–October from 10 am to 6 pm and 10 am–5 pm in cooler months, bring together rainforest, desert, New Caledonian flora and plant history.

The Menagerie, founded in 1794 and one of Europe’s oldest zoos, hosts over 1 000 species: red pandas, reptiles, birds, amphibians… It’s open 9 am–6 pm (extended hours Sundays and summer).

The Jardin des Plantes is freely accessible from 7 :45 am to 8 pm in summer, and 8 am to 5 :30 pm winter; features walking paths, alpine garden, and botanical school.

As a research and teaching institution with about 600 scientists, the Museum oversees thirteen sites across France. It organizes lectures, themed visits, and provides facilities for groups and corporate events.

Ambience: Scientific, educational, yet playful—ideal for families and science enthusiasts. Interactive experiences include VR, temporary exhibits, and children’s workshops. Target audience: Families, schools, tourists, academics, botany and science lovers.

Fun fact: Since 2017, VR lets you stand just centimeters from a virtual hippo or giraffe inside an immersive “evolution sphere”.

Practical info:
– Book ahead for VR and temporary exhibitions.
– Flexible tickets, combo passes, under‑26 EU discounts, group rates from 20 people.
– Accessible for impaired mobility: elevators, accessible restrooms, assistance available.
– Transport: Metro (Gare d’Austerlitz, Censier‑Daubenton, Jussieu), RER C, buses, Batobus.
– On‑site dining at “Les Belles Plantes” with vegan choices.