Grand Gallery of Evolution, Natural history museum in the 5th district, France
The Grand Gallery of Evolution is a natural history museum in the 5th arrondissement of Paris that spans multiple levels with different wings for various habitats. Large animal skeletons dominate the central space, while smaller displays covering fossils, minerals, and insects are arranged throughout the surrounding areas.
The building was constructed in 1889 for the Paris World's Fair and contains collections dating back to the 18th century that were previously housed in older natural history institutions. Its architecture and exhibition methods have been modernized multiple times since then while retaining the original character.
The name reflects its core purpose: to display the grand story of life's development on Earth. Today, visitors experience how the exhibition invites people to reflect on nature's diversity and humanity's place within it.
The museum is located within the Jardin des Plantes and is within walking distance of several metro stations. Visiting with children is straightforward, as the layout follows a natural flow and seating areas are provided throughout for rest.
At the center of the gallery space sits an impressive procession of animals surrounded by water features that symbolize their natural habitats. This arrangement is unusual because it creates a journey through different ecosystems within a single room.
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