Muséum national d'histoire naturelle, Natural history museum in Jardin des Plantes, Paris, France.
The Muséum national d'histoire naturelle is a natural history museum and botanical garden located in the Jardin des Plantes in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, France. The site includes exhibition halls for skeletons and minerals, a biodiversity center, several greenhouses housing tropical and desert plants, plus outdoor areas with themed gardens and old trees.
The institution was created in 1793 during the Revolution from the Royal Garden of Medicinal Plants, which Louis XIII had established in 1635. During the 19th and 20th centuries, the institution grew through expeditions and donations that brought together collections from all continents.
The botanical garden serves as a public space for recreation and learning, where visitors walk among plant beds and observe scientific collections. Many Parisians use the grounds for jogging or breaks, while school groups visit the greenhouses and outdoor areas for educational purposes.
The site lies between the Seine and Gare d'Austerlitz and is easy to reach on foot or by metro. Paths in the garden are mostly flat, while some buildings have stairs, but ramps or lifts often provide alternatives for wheelchair users.
One of the greenhouses holds plants grown from seeds dating back to the 18th century, including some species that have disappeared in the wild. These living archives show how the site has preserved rare specimens across decades.
Location: 5th arrondissement of Paris
Inception: June 10, 1793
Official opening: June 10, 1793
Website: https://mnhn.fr
GPS coordinates: 48.84222,2.35611
Latest update: December 5, 2025 16:34
Paris offers many options for families with children, from large amusement parks to interactive museums. Disneyland Paris in Marne-la-Vallée features two themed parks focused on Disney characters, while Parc Astérix in Plailly offers roller coasters and shows inspired by Gaulish culture. In the city, the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie allows children to explore technology and science practically, with its planetarium and experimental zones. Families can also visit the Paris Zoological Park, which displays 180 species in habitats recreating different ecosystems, or explore the National Museum of Natural History with its fossil and mineral collections. For aquatic activities, Aquaboulevard has slides and wave pools under a roof. The Grevin Museum exhibits over 200 wax statues of famous personalities, while the Museum of Illusions engages viewers with interactive visual installations. La Villette Park combines green spaces, playgrounds, and cultural venues across 55 hectares.
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