Grande Galerie de l'Évolution

About the museum

The gallery occupies the former Zoology Gallery building, designed by architect Louis-Jules André to relieve the lack of space for the collections of the Muséum national d’histoire naturelle. It opened in July 1889, shortly after the Eiffel Tower was inaugurated, with a large glass roof and a systematic display of animals arranged by groups.

After the Second World War, a lack of funds prevented the building from being maintained. The glass roof deteriorated and the gallery closed in 1966. In 1968, a temporary zinc roof protected the collections but left the rooms in gloom. In the 1980s, the Muséum's researchers developed a new project: to show the evolution of species rather than simply classify them.

An architectural competition was won in 1988 by Paul Chemetov and Borja Huidobro, working with museographers and a set designer. The renovation was folded into the major presidential building projects. The building was listed as a monument historique in 1993, and the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution reopened in 1994.

The permanent route covers about 6,000 m². It presents the diversity of life, the evolution of species and humankind's influence on nature. A room devoted to endangered and extinct species, a children's gallery, a virtual reality cabinet and a temporary exhibition space in the basement complete the visit. The gallery holds the “Musée de France” label.

Highlights

• Caravan of savanna animals from Africa beneath the restored glass roof
• Marine mammal skeletons and a giant squid on the first floor
• Room of endangered and extinct species
• Children's gallery and virtual reality cabinet
• Building from 1889, listed as a monument historique

Permanent exhibition

• Exposition permanente de la Grande Galerie de l'Évolution – The route shows the diversity of life, the evolution of species and the role of humans, with marine habitats, the African savanna, tropical rainforest and polar regions.

Founded

1994

Operated by

Muséum national d'histoire naturelle

Visitors per year

approx. 838,586 (2019)

Admission & discounts

Rate for the permanent collection. Each gallery in the Jardin des Plantes has its own ticket; there is no single ticket for all sites. Admission is also free, on proof, for job seekers, people receiving minimum social benefits, journalists, members of ICOM and ICOMOS, holders of the Pass annuel Muséum, and children under 3 for the temporary exhibition. “Découverte” offer: with a full-price ticket, you can visit another site at the reduced rate within 3 months.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• 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 route is fully accessible to wheelchair users, with accessible lifts and step-free access. The temporary exhibition in the basement is served by a dedicated lift, which can be requested at reception. Wheelchair loan on 01 40 79 56 01. No induction loop in the gallery. Tourisme et Handicap label since 2004. Parking for two vehicles for people with reduced mobility is possible in the Jardin des Plantes, on request 48 hours in advance.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Baby changing facilities

The children's gallery is designed for toddlers; there are Saturday workshops for ages 3 to 6 and Sunday workshops for ages 8 to 12, flash activities, and the Tribu family pass for 2 adults and 2 young people. Baby changing tables are in the toilets on the ground floor and the 1st floor.

Getting there & parking

Step-free entrance at 36 rue Geoffroy-Saint-Hilaire. The museum recommends arriving by public transport.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

Café Le Comptoir on the 1st floor, overlooking the caravan of animals (open 10:00 to 17:30, except Tuesdays). Restaurant Jardin Folia and kiosks in the Jardin des Plantes. Gallery shop open 10:00 to 18:00, except Tuesdays. Free lockers: bring a €1 coin, which is returned when you retrieve your bag.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The Muséum rents spaces in the Jardin des Plantes, including galleries, greenhouses and the large amphitheatre.

Plan your visit