Natural History Museum of Nantes

The Natural History Museum of Nantes is a building that displays collections of animals, rocks, and minerals across several rooms. The exhibition spaces are organized by scientific topic and show specimens that tell the story of life and matter on Earth.

The museum was founded in the early 19th century when Nantes was a major center of trade and scientific interest. It moved to a new location some decades later and has served as a cultural institution for the city ever since.

The museum's name reflects the natural specimens that traders and explorers brought back to Nantes as a major port city. Walking through the galleries today, you notice how collections are arranged to help visitors understand the variety of life and matter on Earth.

The building is easy to navigate with clear signage in the rooms, so visitors can find their way without difficulty. It is helpful to plan your visit time in advance and allow enough time to walk through the various exhibition areas at a comfortable pace.

The collections include a rare meteorite from Mars that shows how the museum researches beyond Earth itself. It also houses remains of bird species that no longer exist, helping visitors understand how the world has changed over time.

Location: Nantes

Inception: 1793

Architects: Gustave Bourgerel

Official opening: August 15, 1810

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Operator: Ville de Nantes

Opening Hours: 10:00-18:00; Tuesday off; January 01,May 01,November 01,December 25 off; December 24,December 31 10:00-16:00

Phone: +33240992620

Email: museum-sciences@nantesmetropole.fr

Website: http://museum.nantes.fr

GPS coordinates: 47.21286,-1.56499

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:45