Musée d'Histoire naturelle de Lille

About the museum

Lille’s first natural history museum opened in 1822 in the former town hall. It was based on the Société des amateurs des sciences et des arts, founded in 1802, which acquired collections of insects and stuffed animals. In 1854, the creation of the faculty of sciences led the city to entrust the collections to the faculty, and the curator was the professor of natural history. In 1877, Jules Gosselet created a museum of geology and mineralogy.

The present building was constructed by the City to house the laboratories of the university founded in 1887. A large geology hall opened to the public in 1902, the Musée houiller (coal museum) moved in in 1907 with its fresco of the Carboniferous landscape, and zoology joined the building in 1908. The museum suffered damage during the First World War and remained closed until 1925; in 1942 it was occupied by the Germans.

The museum holds four major collections: zoology and geology, which were displayed to the public, and ethnography and science and technology, which are kept in storage. A first phase of works created a new reception area in 2021. Since April 2024, the museum has been closed for a second, far-reaching renovation, which is intended to double the public areas and offer a thematic, interactive route. Its teams continue their activity with the off-site programme “Le Musée fait le mur”.

Highlights

• Zoology and geology collections, displayed before the closure
• Carboniferous landscape fresco painted in 1907 at the Musée houiller
• Ethnography and science and technology collections in storage
• Off-site programme “Le Musée fait le mur”
• Virtual tour of the museum online

Founded

1822

Operated by

Ville de Lille

Visitors per year

approx. 122,297

Admission & discounts

The museum has been closed for renovation and has not welcomed visitors since April 2024; it offers an off-site programme.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• 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

Before the closure, an entrance for people with reduced mobility was accessible at the rear of the building on Rue Claude Bernard; visitors announced themselves via the intercom, and there was a dedicated parking space. The museum is preparing a more accessible and inclusive welcome for its reopening.

Kids & families

The future museum plans flexible spaces for the youngest children, from 0 to 3 years old.

Getting there & parking

The museum’s public entrance is at 23 Rue Gosselet, in the heart of Lille, in a neighbourhood being redeveloped. The building also faces onto Rue de Bruxelles.

Amenities & dining

The museum has been closed for renovation and has not welcomed visitors since April 2024; it offers an off-site programme.

Events & venue rental

The museum has been closed for renovation and has not welcomed visitors since April 2024; it offers an off-site programme.

Plan your visit