Muséum d'histoire naturelle de Chambéry

About the museum

The natural history museum of Chambéry was founded in 1846, two years after the Société d'histoire naturelle de Savoie was created. King Charles Albert of Piedmont-Sardinia supported both initiatives. The museum occupies a small house of about 400 m², in the middle of a garden.

The collections comprise several tens of thousands of specimens, mostly animals: mammals, birds, molluscs and insects, including butterflies. Minerals and fossils are also held. Most pieces date from the 19th and 20th centuries and come from donations. Birds and small mammals are displayed in a gallery that retains the look of a 19th-century presentation, and the shells are exhibited in the lecture room.

The museum is run by volunteers, who look after the collections and welcome the public. It has held the “Musée de France” label since February 1, 2003. It offers free guided tours and welcomes groups by reservation.

Highlights

• Bird and small mammal collection in a 19th-century gallery
• Entomology, with many butterflies and insects
• Minerals and fossils
• Shells displayed in the lecture room
• Free guided tours by volunteers

Permanent exhibition

• Collections de zoologie, minéralogie et paléontologie – Birds, mammals, insects, shells, minerals and fossils, presented in a historic setting.

Founded

1846

Operated by

Bénévoles de la Société d'histoire naturelle de Savoie

Visitors per year

approx. 3,786

Admission & discounts

2026 prices according to the tourist office. Guided tours are free.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

According to the tourist office: shop and bookshop, toilets, picnic area and Wi-Fi in the rooms.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit