Visit the Gallery of Palaeontology and Comparative Anatomy

Are you familiar with the incredible Gallery of Palaeontology and Comparative Anatomy, hidden away in the heart of the Jardin des Plantes in Paris?

Located at 2 Rue Buffon, in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, the Gallery of Palaeontology and Comparative Anatomy is part of the National Museum of Natural History, which is located in the Jardin des Plantes.

Photo credit : Amandine Goetz

Inaugurated in 1898, this building, over 80 metres long, combines aesthetics and science with its architecture made of metal structures, bay windows, bricks and cut stone. A historical gallery where evolution puts the relationship between living beings in a striking setting.

A showcase for the history of life, divided into two main sections 

Photo credit : Amandine Goetz

Comparative anatomy: on the ground floor, an exhibition of skeletons of current and recent species, organs, brains, hearts, etc. It allows visitors to compare the structures of vertebrates (fish, birds, mammals, etc.) and understand how evolution has shaped their forms according to their living environments.

 

Photo credit : Amandine Goetz

Palaeontology: on the upper floors, fossils, skeletons of extinct species, fossilised plants, invertebrates, etc. The collection covers periods from the very distant past (Devonian, etc.) to the Quaternary period. Among the impressive exhibits are casts of T. rex skulls, diplodocus, whale ancestors, mammoths, etc.

 

Photo credit : Amandine Goetz

A visit that becomes a real exploration through the history of science in France since the 19th century.

Gallery of Palaeontology and Comparative Anatomy - National Museum of Natural History
2 rue Buffon 75005 Paris
Open every day except Tuesdays - From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Last admission: 1 hour before closing time.
Closed on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December.
Reservations: mnhn.fr

 

Featured image: Amandine Goetz