Gallery of Mineralogy and Geology

The Gallery of Mineralogy and Geology is a natural history museum located in the Jardin des Plantes with neoclassical architecture extending about 187 meters. The exhibition displays around 600 specimens selected from a collection of approximately 770,000 minerals and rocks.

The collection originated in 1625 as a royal pharmacy cabinet and was later transferred to the Royal Garden of Medicinal Plants. The current building was constructed in 1833 and has housed this important mineral collection ever since.

The display areas organize minerals into eight themed sections that teach visitors how to identify and distinguish different specimens. Each section explains the scientific criteria that separate one substance from another.

The museum is situated within the Jardin des Plantes and is accessible by multiple bus routes and nearby metro stations. The exhibition halls are clearly marked and easy to navigate for visitors of all mobility levels.

The museum houses about 20 giant Brazilian crystals that were collected by Ilia Deleff during the 1960s. These specimens took millions of years to form and stand out as some of the most striking objects on display.

Location: 5th arrondissement of Paris

Inception: 1625

Official opening: 1837

Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible

Operator: Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle

Part of: Muséum national d'histoire naturelle

Address: 36 Rue Geoffroy-Saint-Hilaire, 75005 Paris

Opening Hours: Monday 10:00-18:00; Wednesday-Sunday 10:00-18:00

Phone: +33140795479

Website: https://mnhn.fr/fr/galerie-de-geologie-et-de-mineralogie

GPS coordinates: 48.84181,2.35778

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:42