Musée d'Histoire naturelle et Vivarium, Tournai

The Musée d'Histoire naturelle et Vivarium is a natural history museum in Tournai with exhibition halls displaying preserved animals and collections. The building also features a scientific garden with outdoor enclosures and a greenhouse dedicated to exotic butterflies.

The museum was established in 1828 during the Dutch period and opened in 1829 as the first public museum in Belgium. This institution marked a turning point in making scientific collections accessible to the general public in the country.

The museum displays specimens in the style of 19th-century natural history collections, arranged in glass cases that fill the exhibition rooms. A notable elephant on display attracts considerable attention from visitors.

Access is well organized and visitors can choose between exploring independently or joining guided tours. School groups receive special offers, and reservations for guided tours can be made through the local tourist office.

The museum houses one of the oldest complete elephant skeletons in Europe and specialists praise its remarkably preserved condition. This specimen is not only a collection piece but also a record of early taxidermy techniques.

Location: Tournai

Inception: 1828

Address: Rue Saint-Martin

Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 09:30-17:00; Sunday 11:00-17:00

Phone: +3269332343

Website: https://mhn.tournai.be

GPS coordinates: 50.60353,3.38744

Latest update: December 14, 2025 20:02