Muséum d'histoire naturelle de la Réunion

The museum is a natural history institution in Saint-Denis that displays island life from the Indian Ocean region across its galleries. The collection includes preserved creatures, rock formations, and natural objects gathered over decades.

The museum was founded in 1855 and moved into a neoclassical building constructed in 1834 for the regional legislature. The building gained protected monument status in 1978, recognizing its value to the island.

The name reflects the ocean's natural world, and the displays show how this place documents what the islands once contained. Visitors can observe the specimens and understand what made this region's wildlife distinctive.

The site sits within the Jardin de l'État, making it easy to reach as part of a garden visit. Plan your visit for Tuesday through Sunday when it welcomes guests.

The building holds a scientific library with rare books and engravings from the 18th and 19th centuries that document the region's natural world. These old papers show how people once viewed and understood the islands.

Location: Saint-Denis

Official opening: 1855

Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture

Part of: Jardin de l'État

Address: 1 Rue Poivre

Phone: +33262200219

Website: https://departement974.fr/sites-culturels/index.php/Mus%C3%A9um/pr%C3%A9sentation-mus%C3%A9um/museum-dhistoire-naturelle.html

GPS coordinates: -20.88740,55.45160

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:22