Muséum d'histoire naturelle de Grenoble

About the museum

The Muséum d’histoire naturelle de Grenoble has its origins in the 18th century. In 1772, prominent Grenoble citizens, including Dr Henri Gagnon, financed the purchase of a library that was made public; a natural history cabinet was announced in 1775 and entrusted to Father Étienne Ducros. It was first housed in the former Jesuit college.

In 1845, the cabinet was enlarged and moved, and took the name muséum. A new building designed by the architect Paul Benoît Barillon was built from 1849 to 1855 in the Jardin des plantes. Its façades and roofs were listed as historic monuments in 1944.

Between 1986 and 1989, the museum was completely renovated: the large display cases gave way to dioramas, and an administrative building was added in 1988. The collections comprise about 1.5 million specimens in botany, zoology, geology and ethnology.

The permanent display occupies three levels and features, among other things, Alpine fauna, insects, minerals and fossils. Entry to the museum is free.

Highlights

• “Montagne vivante” gallery: sixteen dioramas of Alpine wildlife
• “Paroles de Terre”: about a hundred original fossils from around the world
• “Cristal symphonie”: minerals from the world’s major deposits
• “Carnaval des insectes” with interactive stations
• Atlas room designed for children, with objects to touch
• Free admission, neighbouring botanical greenhouses

Permanent exhibitions

• Montagne vivante – Large gallery with walnut panelling and sixteen dioramas showing the forest, the seasons and the animals of the lowland, mountain and high-altitude zones (chamois, ibex, golden eagles).
• Genèse des Alpes – Recently renovated gallery on the geological history of the region, from the Archean to the Quaternary, with fossils from several regional sites.
• Paroles de Terre – Around 101 original fossils from major deposits worldwide, including trilobites, ammonites and a cave bear skull, with animated screens and a globe illustrating continental drift.

Founded

1775

Operated by

Ville de Grenoble

Visitors per year

approx. 104,732 (2018)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

The permanent collection and temporary exhibitions are free for everyone; the audio guide, education workshops, film screenings, lectures and national events (European Heritage Days, Museum Night) are also free. Group rates: free guided tour for under-26s from the Isère department, €20 for under-26s from outside Isère, €75 for adults.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• 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

Lift, accessible toilets and an accessible parking space nearby. Induction loops at the reception desk and in the lecture hall; folding seated walking sticks at reception. Staff are trained to welcome all visitors. Tours and workshops should be booked at least one month in advance (reservation.museum@grenoble.fr or 04 76 44 95 41).

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

The Atlas room is designed for children, with objects to touch; the “Carnaval des insectes” includes four interactive stations. Education workshops are free, and there are workshops for toddlers (for example “Atelier Bout’choux”).

Getting there & parking

The museum is in the Jardin des plantes, 1 rue Dolomieu.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit