Gallery of Evolution: reviews, price and practical tips

+40
recos
4.4/5 7 reviews
Jardin des Plantes - 36 rue Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 75005 Paris, France
Jardin des Plantes - 36 rue Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 75005 Paris, France
Skip-the-line ticket from $14*
Booking recommended
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Grande Galerie de l'Evolution

Visiting the Gallery of Evolution

Part of the Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle (French National Museum of Natural History), the Gallery of Evolution is located in the heart of the Jardin des Plantes in Paris. It is a landmark space dedicated to showcasing biodiversity and the evolution of living organisms. Originally opened in 1889 and later renovated in 1994 and 2014, this massive iron and glass structure provides an immersive experience that tracks the history of life on Earth.

Remarkable architecture

The building was designed by architect Louis-Jules André, reflecting the monumental style of that era. Inside, you are greeted by a massive nave spanning over 1,000 square meters, bathed in natural light filtering through expansive glass ceilings. The scale of the space creates an environment designed for quiet observation and discovery.

Exhibits to see

The museum layout spans multiple levels, highlighting the diversity of the animal kingdom. The collection is extensive, featuring nearly 7,000 specimens, including some rare and significant pieces. You will see taxidermy displayed in realistic settings that illustrate specific habitats and animal behaviors.

The Gallery of Evolution aims to educate the public on the preservation of biodiversity and how life has changed over millions of years. Temporary exhibits in the lower level and interactive displays round out the permanent collection, creating an educational and engaging experience for both adults and children. The Gallery of Evolution is featured by Avygeo as one of the best museums in Paris for families, and more broadly, as one of the best activities to share with your kids.

A scientific research center

Beyond its role in education, the Gallery of Evolution is an active site for scientific research. It houses a laboratory where scientists study biodiversity, contributing to ongoing knowledge in the fields of ecology and evolution.

The Gallery of Evolution at the Jardin des Plantes in Paris is more than just a museum. It is a space that highlights the variety of life on Earth and underscores the urgency of conservation. This site blends architectural design with scientific rigor to provide a memorable visit for anyone walking through its doors.

Skip-the-line ticket from $14*Booking recommended
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Opening hours

Open daily, except Tuesdays, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Hours are indicative and subject to change

*Information subject to change

Reviews of Gallery of Evolution

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Summary of 7 reviews
4.4/5
Average rating
+40
Total recommendations

Ratings by visit type

With family
5
As a couple
4.3
With friends
4

Avygeo ranking

#18
in the world
#18
in Europe
#13
in France
#8
in Paris

Impressive

This gallery is truly superb. It is a place I really recommend you visit. The gallery is huge, and there is a lot to see on the different floors. The skeletons are well displayed and impress kids and adults alike.

6
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An impressive museum

I think this is the most impressive natural history museum out there. I really love the atmosphere, which truly makes you feel like you are in an old-school circle of researchers.

You can find some very beautiful specimens here, some of which are quite moving too (like the dodo). Okay, you cannot be squeamish about skeletons and taxidermy, but it remains very educational!

6
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Impressive and old school

The Grande Galerie de l'Evolution is located in a magnificent two-story hall within the Natural History Museum, in the heart of the Jardin des Plantes in Paris. I went for free during the Night of Museums. It is an experience you cannot miss, especially with children. You see some impressive taxidermy specimens there.
I was particularly impressed by the Dodo bird from Mauritius, which is now extinct. On that note, it is now possible to see them thanks to augmented reality.

6
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A phenomenal museum

From the giant skeletons of marine mammals to the dinosaurs, and passing through the extraordinary African caravan, the Natural History Museum amazes while questioning the place of humans in this evolutionary cycle of life. The mesmerizing scenography uses both lights and sounds to enhance this unique spectacle. To dive even deeper into the mythical world of extinct animals, the gallery also offers incredibly immersive virtual reality experiences.

6
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Lots of animals to see

I went through it a bit quickly, but I was still able to appreciate the place. It is a huge hall surrounded by galleries on two floors. You can see life-size reproductions of marine animals (sharks, huge rays), a massive blue whale skeleton with impressive dimensions, and many stuffed mammals, birds, and reptiles, plus insects and butterflies. There are some information panels and interactive screens with quizzes.
As you go up to the higher floors, the view becomes spectacular.
I only had an hour to visit before closing, so I skimmed through things. But I think a curious person interested in nature and biology could easily spend 2 hours there.

6
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Must see at least once

I had no idea there was such a huge space in Paris that does such a great job explaining the history of life on Earth in a fun way. Worth seeing at least once.

6
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Beautiful and educational

The gallery is actually very large and especially beautiful, with lovely lighting effects on the ceiling. For that alone, the visit is worth it. Take the time to go through all the levels, especially the last one to understand a bit about how evolution works.
The animals and the various skeletons are well done. I went with a 6-year-old girl and a 9-year-old boy, and they both loved it.
A small area for improvement: the explanations on the tablets are not always very readable or clear.

6
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