Museum Paris, France Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle

The Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle (National Museum of Natural History), founded in 1793, is one of the oldest and most prestigious scientific institutions in France. Located in the heart of the Jardin des Plantes in Paris’s 5th arrondissement, it serves as a center for research, education, and public exhibitions.

The museum houses exceptional collections comprising over 66 million specimens, ranging from rare minerals and fossils to preserved and living animal and plant species. One of its most iconic spaces, the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution, features a spectacular display showcasing the diversity of life and its evolutionary processes. Other galleries, such as those dedicated to Paleontology, Mineralogy, and Comparative Anatomy, further enrich the visitor experience.

In 2023, the museum welcomed over 3.8 million visitors across all its sites—a record attendance that highlights its significance and public appeal in promoting scientific culture.

Beyond its museum functions, the MNHN is a major player in natural science research and biodiversity conservation. It also offers university-level training and educational programs aimed at raising public awareness about environmental challenges.