Fontaine Cuvier, Neoclassical fountain in 5th arrondissement, France.

Fontaine Cuvier is a neoclassical fountain in the 5th arrondissement featuring a central figure holding inscribed tablets surrounded by water creatures and a crocodile at its base. The composition brings together sculptural elements that represent nature and scientific knowledge.

The fountain was built in 1840 by Alphonse Vigoureux, inspector of the city of Paris water services, replacing the earlier Saint-Victor fountain. The natural history allegory was carved by Jean-Jacques Feuchère, while Pierre-Jules Pomateau made the frieze, tympanum and intercolumniation. It was listed as a monument historique on 3 April 1984.

The fountain honours Georges Cuvier, the naturalist whose work on animal anatomy and fossils shaped modern biology. Its statue, an allegory of natural history by Jean-Jacques Feuchère, holds tablets inscribed with Cuvier's motto, 'Rerum cognoscere causas'. The setting opposite the Jardin des Plantes ties the monument to the scientific institutions where Cuvier worked.

The fountain is located at the intersection of Rue Linné and Rue Cuvier, directly across from an entrance to the Jardin des Plantes, making it easy to spot. The area is well-connected and sits among other nearby attractions you can visit on the same walk.

The tablets held by the central figure display Cuvier's motto 'Rerum cognoscere causas,' a Latin phrase meaning 'to know the causes of things.' This inscription reveals the heart of his scientific philosophy and is visible as you stand before the fountain.