Muséum d'histoire naturelle d'Aix-en-Provence

Natural history museum of the City of Aix-en-Provence, currently without an open exhibition space; children’s workshops and lectures take place in the Parc Saint-Mitre.

Temporarily closed

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Muséum d'histoire naturelle d'Aix-en-ProvenceTemporarily closed

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Temporarily closed. The museum has had no exhibition space open to the public since April 2014. The collections are not on view; only children’s workshops, lectures and events take place, with no date announced for a new exhibition space.

About the museum

The Natural History Museum of Aix-en-Provence was founded in 1838 on the initiative of the city, using collections gathered by naturalists. Over time it grew to about 376,000 specimens, including 150,000 for the herbaria, nearly 1,000 dinosaur remains and 4,600 fossil plants. It holds the Musée de France label.

The museum is known for its paleontology collections, including dinosaur eggs, and has been carrying out excavation campaigns since 1994. These digs have led to the discovery of new species, such as the large carnivorous dinosaur Arcovenator escotae.

Since April 22, 2014, the museum has had no exhibition space open to the public. Only its offices are located in the Parc Saint-Mitre; the collections are not on view, and the city states that they will get a new exhibition space, without giving a date. In the meantime, the museum offers educational workshops for children, lectures and events for the Fête de la Science.

Highlights

Paleontology collections, including dinosaur eggs
Paleontological excavations since 1994
Workshops for children aged 7 to 12 during school holidays
Public lectures
Taking part in the Fête de la Science and the Fête de la nature

Founded: 1838
Operated by: Ville d'Aix-en-Provence

Admission & discounts

Groups	–School workshops are free for schools in Aix-en-Provence and the Pays d’Aix, and paid for other schools.
Children’s workshop during school holidays	€4.60Booking required

No admission fee, since the museum is not open to visitors. Only the children’s workshops are paid.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Great for kids & familiesRecommended for ages 7+

Family tours & workshops

Workshops for children aged 7 to 12 during school holidays, booked at +33 4 88 71 81 81 or by email.

Getting there & parking

The Parc Saint-Mitre, in the Jas de Bouffan district, is reached via avenue Jean Monnet and rue des Robiniers. The park also houses a planetarium and a Japanese garden.

Get directions