Galerie de Paléontologie et d'Anatomie comparée
Two galleries in the Jardin des Plantes devoted to skeletons of living vertebrates and fossils, in an Art Nouveau building from 1898 (closed for works).
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About the museum
The comparative anatomy and paleontology collections of the Muséum national d’histoire naturelle are housed in an 80-meter-long gallery, opened in 1898 in the Jardin des Plantes. The building was designed by the architect Ferdinand Dutert with professors Albert Gaudry (paleontology) and Georges Pouchet (comparative anatomy), to meet the needs of science, teaching and public display.
The iron framework is clad in stone and brick, and large windows and glass roofs let in light. The wooden floors and platforms, as well as the display cases, belong to the original Art Nouveau fittings.
On the ground floor, the comparative anatomy gallery displays about 4,300 specimens: skeletons of large vertebrates, series of organs, skulls and extinct species such as Steller’s sea cow and the marsupial wolf. Upstairs, the paleontology gallery displays about 2,000 vertebrate fossils, including more than 300 complete skeletons, from the Devonian to the Quaternary, and more than 5,000 invertebrate fossils on the balcony.
The gallery has been closed for works since January 19, 2026 and is expected to reopen during 2027.
Highlights
- Skeleton of a 25-meter-long diplodocus
- Rorqual (a baleen whale) of nearly 20 meters in the comparative anatomy gallery
- Extinct species such as Steller’s sea cow and the marsupial wolf
- More than 300 complete skeletons of fossil vertebrates
- 1898 Art Nouveau building with original parquet floors and display cases
Permanent exhibitions
- Galerie d'Anatomie comparée – Skeletons of large vertebrates, series of organs and extinct species, including the rorqual and Steller’s sea cow.
- Galerie de Paléontologie – Vertebrate and invertebrate fossils from the Devonian to the Quaternary, with the diplodocus and a cast of a T. rex skull.
- Founded
- 1898
- Operated by
- Muséum national d'histoire naturelle
- Visitors per year
- approx. 372,831
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €12 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €9Holders of the Pass Éducation, individuals paying full price in a non-school group of 20 people or more, holders of a full-price ticket less than three months old for another site of the Jardin des Plantes, the Musée de l’Homme or the Paris zoo |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 24 · Free entry for visitors under 25, upon proof. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Free entry for the person with a disability and their companion, with proof issued by the MDPH. |
| Groups | –Guided tours for groups by reservation at 01 40 79 36 00. |
Prices shown before the closure for works. Also free for holders of the Pass Annuel Muséum, job seekers, recipients of minimum social benefits, holders of an ICOM or ICOMOS card, teachers preparing their visit, journalists and military personnel with the Sentinelle card. Tickets online or on site, subject to availability.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The gallery has many stairs and is not accessible to wheelchair users. The Muséum offers activities with a guide adapted to visitors with disabilities (information: info-accessibilite@mnhn.fr).
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 24 |
|---|
- Stroller-friendly: not available
Because of the many stairs, it is strongly recommended to bring a baby carrier rather than a pushchair. The weekend visits and workshops for children at the Jardin des Plantes take place at other sites of the Muséum.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Gare d'Austerlitz
Metro line 5, Austerlitz station; line 7, Censier-Daubenton; line 10, Jussieu or Austerlitz station; RER C, Austerlitz station; buses 24, 57, 61, 63, 67, 89 and 91; Batobus, stop Jardin des Plantes.
The gallery is located in the Jardin des Plantes. Austerlitz and Lyon stations serve the area.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The gallery has been closed for works since January 19, 2026, until sometime during 2027.
Events & venue rental
The gallery has been closed for works since January 19, 2026, until sometime during 2027.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours for adult groups by reservation and guided tours for school groups on paleontology and evolution (booking: 01 40 79 36 00, reservation.jdp@mnhn.fr). A floor plan of the gallery can be downloaded from the website. |
