National Museum of Natural History
National Museum of Natural History
4
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
This large museum of natural history combines three museums into one, including a four-story taxonomy wing, a building of skeletons and fossils and a separate structure devoted entirely to geology.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: 5th Arr. - Panthéon
How to get there
- Jussieu • 3 min walk
- Place Monge • 5 min walk
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
1,353 reviews
Excellent
642
Very good
474
Average
151
Poor
54
Terrible
32
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
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Miguel_Miguel_1709
The Hague, The Netherlands27 contributions
Jul 2020
I must say we expected a first class museum in a first class capital, but we found an outdated exhibition far far away from modern standards. We tried to obtain tickets online the night before, but we could not find our way through the website; no combined ticket (there are several separate galleries that apparently need separate tickets), no family ticket... so we tried our luck in the morning at the museum, only to find that there is no ticket booth, so we had to buy the tickets with our smartphones at the entrance. Annoying.
When we entered, we were soon disappointed. The main gallery is basically a collection of skeletons, hundreds of them, all crammed, with a few old style explanations in calligraphic texts (only in French). It reminded me of the natural history museums I used to visit in my school times, back in the 70's: brains and fetuses in preserve flasks, insect collections stuck on nails and stuffed cats. Only much bigger and with some truly impressive reconstructions of full size skeletons of whales, elephants, mammoths and dinosaurs.
We missed any sort of interactive content, colors, maps, diagrams, some explanations in English and, in general, the type of presentation you find these days in world class museums.
Our children were quickly overwhelmed by the sheer number of skeletons packed in the gallery and lost interest soon.
When we entered, we were soon disappointed. The main gallery is basically a collection of skeletons, hundreds of them, all crammed, with a few old style explanations in calligraphic texts (only in French). It reminded me of the natural history museums I used to visit in my school times, back in the 70's: brains and fetuses in preserve flasks, insect collections stuck on nails and stuffed cats. Only much bigger and with some truly impressive reconstructions of full size skeletons of whales, elephants, mammoths and dinosaurs.
We missed any sort of interactive content, colors, maps, diagrams, some explanations in English and, in general, the type of presentation you find these days in world class museums.
Our children were quickly overwhelmed by the sheer number of skeletons packed in the gallery and lost interest soon.
Written 30 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The gallery brings together some 650 skeletons, as well as organs and other curiosities, which allow visitors to observe and compare the different species. The explanations are in French, you are right and we apologize for this inconvenience. If you would like to know more about the subject, we suggest that you consult our brochure on the museum's website.
Written 3 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Myl s
2 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
I bought 5 tickets at the Jardin des Plantes for “Jungle en route to illumination” delighted to attend this show. I had seen extensive advertising on social networks as part of the Nantes Winter Trip, in the same spirit.
Until I received the tickets, I thought it was happening in Nantes. But it's the one in Paris. So I have 5 places at full price (18x5=90€) for this Saturday 09/12 at 7:30 p.m.
I contact customer service full of hope.
The Museum refuses to reimburse me for the tickets because "according to their general conditions of sale, tickets purchased on our site are non-exchangeable, non-modifiable, and non-refundable. The tickets are not nominative and can be transferred to a anyone close to you."
Certainly, but without a Parisian entourage available?
I asked for help with the resale of tickets, no response.
The mistake of fatigue is expensive.
Until I received the tickets, I thought it was happening in Nantes. But it's the one in Paris. So I have 5 places at full price (18x5=90€) for this Saturday 09/12 at 7:30 p.m.
I contact customer service full of hope.
The Museum refuses to reimburse me for the tickets because "according to their general conditions of sale, tickets purchased on our site are non-exchangeable, non-modifiable, and non-refundable. The tickets are not nominative and can be transferred to a anyone close to you."
Certainly, but without a Parisian entourage available?
I asked for help with the resale of tickets, no response.
The mistake of fatigue is expensive.
Written 7 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
premanka
1 contribution
Jul 2022
In the museum, I visited the Sant Museum Hall, which has a collection of all the prehistoric deep sea creatures. It has four different sections, namely: The Time Gallery,Carcharocles Megalodon, North Atlantic Right Whale(phoenix), and Indo-Pacific coral reef. When I first entered the premises, it felt like I was inside a sea. At first, I saw fossils of all the organisms and I was stunned as I was gawking at all of them. All the fossils were 3.5 billion years old. I was astonished to read about them on the information board. The journey through the Time gallery was astounding.
Then I reached the Megalodon section. I saw a giant jaw structure with 7 inches of teeth. At first, I was surprised that there really was such a big shark which had such a big jaw. Then when I read about it, it was written that its size was up to 4 school buses and it was 3X larger than a great white shark and weighed around 50 tons.
Overall, my experience was breathtaking and one should visit there.
Then I reached the Megalodon section. I saw a giant jaw structure with 7 inches of teeth. At first, I was surprised that there really was such a big shark which had such a big jaw. Then when I read about it, it was written that its size was up to 4 school buses and it was 3X larger than a great white shark and weighed around 50 tons.
Overall, my experience was breathtaking and one should visit there.
Written 4 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Many thanks for your enthusiastic comment! We are delighted to have welcomed you and that you enjoyed discovering the collections of the Paris Museum of Natural History. Do not hesitate to come and discover the other galleries of the Jardin des Plantes such as the Evolution Gallery, or the Paleontology and Comparative Anatomy Gallery. We look forward to welcoming you again, see you soon!
Written 8 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ruby Red
Greensburg, PA739 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
We went to the museum of evolution. Yes I gave the experience 3 out of 5 stars; although the museum was huge and really impressive it was confusing too. We did not really know where to start our visit, there were displays everywhere and most everything was in French. A person could take days to go through just this section. Would have appreciated having a guide pamphlet to use and have something’s translated to English. Displays are well done, and children seem to like the experience. Most likely will not return.
Written 17 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much, we are delighted that you enjoyed your visit. There is no one way to visit the Grande Galerie de l'Evolution. But don't hesitate to take a map to find your way around, it will be easier. We are aware that the lack of translation is difficult. Please note that this is part of our future plans. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. We look forward to welcoming you again.
Written 17 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
yashhhh
1 contribution
Dec 2021
I was fortunate enough to be a part of a virtual tour hosted by the National Museum Of Natural History. In this short article, I will review "butterfly pavilion" tour I attended, so lets get started..
First Impression
The whole butterfly pavilion is segmented into 3 virtual rooms where we get to experience and gain in depth knowledge about the evolution of insects as a species over the years.
Now when I joined the first room, my immediate reaction was 'WOW'. I remember seeing wall arts on how various insects, birds, mammals drink nectar from flowers. The entire process was pictured on the wall and specimen of insects were also mounted on the wall to explain the process better. Overall the knowledge was easier to absorb and very easy to understand.
A mini forest in a museum!
The moment I thought nothing could be more impressive than the first room, I was mesmerized when I saw the second room. The second room can literally be described as a mini forest inside a museum.
I remember seeing a lot of trees, plants, flowers as far as I could observe. The motive of the mini forest was to educate us about the various plants and flowers used by insects to drink nectar .
Tough my tour was virtual, I was almost feeling the warmth of the room and the fragrance of the flowers with butterflies hovering around me.... I wish I was present there in person.
The ending not to be missed
While I was a bit sad that my tour was at it's final stage, I was very happy that I had been a part of this wonderful tour.
The third room was huge. It was bigger than the previous two rooms and it displayed a variety to Information about the evolution of butterflies and the diversity amongst the species.
The walls of the third room had graffiti of butterflies and wallpapers of flowers and various insects. Words won't be able to describe how beautiful the third room was.
Conclusion
And finally we are here at the end of this article. I had a lot of fun exploring and learning more about insects during my virtual tour. I hope you liked this article and definitely I will suggest everyone to take any virtual tour offered by the national museum of natural history, I promise you will enjoy it.
First Impression
The whole butterfly pavilion is segmented into 3 virtual rooms where we get to experience and gain in depth knowledge about the evolution of insects as a species over the years.
Now when I joined the first room, my immediate reaction was 'WOW'. I remember seeing wall arts on how various insects, birds, mammals drink nectar from flowers. The entire process was pictured on the wall and specimen of insects were also mounted on the wall to explain the process better. Overall the knowledge was easier to absorb and very easy to understand.
A mini forest in a museum!
The moment I thought nothing could be more impressive than the first room, I was mesmerized when I saw the second room. The second room can literally be described as a mini forest inside a museum.
I remember seeing a lot of trees, plants, flowers as far as I could observe. The motive of the mini forest was to educate us about the various plants and flowers used by insects to drink nectar .
Tough my tour was virtual, I was almost feeling the warmth of the room and the fragrance of the flowers with butterflies hovering around me.... I wish I was present there in person.
The ending not to be missed
While I was a bit sad that my tour was at it's final stage, I was very happy that I had been a part of this wonderful tour.
The third room was huge. It was bigger than the previous two rooms and it displayed a variety to Information about the evolution of butterflies and the diversity amongst the species.
The walls of the third room had graffiti of butterflies and wallpapers of flowers and various insects. Words won't be able to describe how beautiful the third room was.
Conclusion
And finally we are here at the end of this article. I had a lot of fun exploring and learning more about insects during my virtual tour. I hope you liked this article and definitely I will suggest everyone to take any virtual tour offered by the national museum of natural history, I promise you will enjoy it.
Written 31 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hlauren
Stoke-on-Trent, UK47 contributions
Jun 2023 • Friends
Unfortunately, this wonderfully set out museum with many seemingly interesting exhibitions and information was sort of ruined through the fact I couldn’t understand any of it. Spent the afternoon just looking at the preserved creates etc. it’s a shame as many of the screens look as if they can easily be changed and therefore a small english sub section could be added. I understand I’m in a different country and of course french should come first, but I also know it’s sort of expected of large tourist institutions to cater to the English language since it’s so widely spoken and understood. Also bear in mind my friend, a fluent French speaker and full time resident fully expected their to be English available too! Also a note to bring your own food/snacks, this is the most expensive food I’ve seen in Paris yet!
Written 24 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Getaway14785802378
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • Family
A heritage day made on paris for provincials eager to discover the jewels of the capital...
Extremely disappointed by this museum which, unlike other Parisian museums, charge admission this year whether for the museum or the gallery...
Frankly abused. We were happy to show our children this museum...
The Award of the museum is not excessive but was not included in our budget already to come on bets.
We weren't the only ones surprised.
Extremely disappointed by this museum which, unlike other Parisian museums, charge admission this year whether for the museum or the gallery...
Frankly abused. We were happy to show our children this museum...
The Award of the museum is not excessive but was not included in our budget already to come on bets.
We weren't the only ones surprised.
Automatically translated
Written 21 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Guntao10
Tourlaville, France694 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
This place is simply sublime. Here, we retrace the evolution of man, the animal kingdom and its impact on our planet.
Rich in information and specimens to discover, they will have left us speechless both by its beauty and by its wealth of things to see and discover.
I highly recommend this museum to those who want to discover and learn where we come from!
Rich in information and specimens to discover, they will have left us speechless both by its beauty and by its wealth of things to see and discover.
I highly recommend this museum to those who want to discover and learn where we come from!
Written 20 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bonjour et merci de nous avoir laissé votre avis. Nous sommes très heureux que gardiez un bon souvenir de votre visite du Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle. Au plaisir de vous accueillir à nouveau !
Written 4 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Himansu Ada
1 contribution
Sept 2022
The museum is very appealing overall. There are three gorgeously decorated floors that feature various historical natural resources.
Regional features, creatures, birds, cafes, and stores tastefully delineated the ground floor.
It gave me goosebumps to learn that they dedicated the first floor to endangered elephants, extinct dinosaurs, aquatic animals, and human origins.
The second level, which is the final, is stunning and has lots of antiques and butterflies.
Regional features, creatures, birds, cafes, and stores tastefully delineated the ground floor.
It gave me goosebumps to learn that they dedicated the first floor to endangered elephants, extinct dinosaurs, aquatic animals, and human origins.
The second level, which is the final, is stunning and has lots of antiques and butterflies.
Written 15 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Many thanks for your recommendation. We are delighted that you enjoyed your visit and that the collections gave you so much emotion. Do not hesitate to come and discover the other galleries of the Jardin des Plantes. We look forward to welcoming you again soon!
Written 15 September 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Clémence B
2 contributions
Mar 2024 • Friends
I went to see the feline exhibition and it is definitely worth it. The gallery of evolution is as usual extraordinary. However, from 5:30 p.m. onwards, very unpleasant staff come almost to sweep away the nuisances (aka visitors whose money can still be useful). It's borderline if they wouldn't physically control people who didn't ask for anything and who are tempted to finish what they have a ticket for! Plus there's no point thinking about the souvenir shop, the employees have also fled. Result: closing at 6 p.m. (which is already VERY early!) and we are kicked out at 5:54 p.m. Should we recommend? Not sure. If one day the museum finds itself in deficit, don't ask why.
Written 2 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
In their site the museum is open. Anyway there are alot of museums in one place. Unfortunately we have very limited time. Which one has the dinosaurs skeletons?
Written 15 October 2022
Vi no site que menores de 26 anos não pagam ingresso. Isso procede?
Gratuité
La gratuité est accordée, selon les sites aux :
- Enfants de moins de 3 ans : Ménagerie
- Enfants de moins de 4 ans : Grandes Serres, exposition temporaire de la Grande Galerie de l’Evolution,
Galerie de Minéralogie
- Visiteurs de moins de 26 ans et les enseignants sur présentation d’un Pass Éducation : Grande Galerie
de l’Évolution - exposition permanente (selon la programmation), Galeries d’Anatomie comparée et de
Paléontologie.
Elle est accordée sur tous les sites aux: Personne handicapée et un accompagnateur, demandeur d’emploi
(justificatif Pôle Emploi de moins de 6 mois), bénéficiaire de minima sociaux et ses ayant-droits (attestation
valide du versement du RSA de la CAF ou de la MSA et attestation de CMU en cours de validité),
journaliste sur présentation de leur carte professionnelle, porteur d’une carte ICOM/ ICOMOS.
Les billets gratuits sont à retirer sur place sur présentation des justificatifs
Written 23 June 2019
Acredito que não paga, mas em todo caso o ingresso é baratinho, 9 euros
Written 24 June 2019
How much is the ticket prices for adults ? Visiting last week of April
Written 6 April 2019
I think it was €9 just for this museum but can be bought as part of the ticket which allows entrance into several around the Gardens too
Kids are free.
Written 8 April 2019
Bonjour, quelle durée devons nous prévoir pour la visite de la galerie de l’évolution, de la paléontologie et du jardin de plantes ? 3 heures?
Written 9 March 2019
Peut on se restaurer sur place ?
Merci d'avance 😊
Written 20 February 2019
Bonjour,
pas de point de restauration dans l'enceinte du musée.
A proximité, oui.
Written 21 February 2019
Are bags allowed in? As well as packed lunches and water?
Written 28 December 2018
Totally! They check at the entrance but only for weapons and explosives
Written 28 December 2018
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