Musée National d’Histoire Naturelle

Created by a decree of the Revolutionary Convention in 1793, the Musée National d’Histoire Naturelle was the site of important scientific research during the 19th century. Housed in three buildings on the southern fringe of Jardin des Plantes, its highlight for kids is the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution with imaginative exhibits on evolution and humankind’s effect on the global ecosystem. Rare specimens of endangered and extinct species dominate the Salle des Espèces Menacées et des Espèces Disparues (Hall of Threatened and Extinct Species) on level 2, while the Salle de Découverte (Room of Discovery) on level 1 houses kid-friendly interactive exhibits.

To the south, the Galerie de Minéralogie et de Géologie has an amazing exhibition of giant natural crystals and a basement display of jewellery and other objects made from minerals. Displays on comparative anatomy and palaeontology (the study of fossils) fill the Galerie d’Anatomie Comparée et de Paléontologie.