The Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) are back in Paris, and everyone's on the lookout for a great deal for this exceptional weekend. It's often the children's favorite museum, and with good reason: the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle has something for every curious mind , with its sensational exhibitions, impressive permanent collections, activities and numerous areas dedicated to the science of life. So when the time comes to find out more about this must-see place and its treasures, there's no question of missing out.
As every year, the Muséum national d'histoire naturelle and the Jardin des Plantes are taking part in the European Heritage Days to highlight our natural heritage, from flora to fauna.
On the weekend of September 21 and 22, 2024, the magnificent Jardin des Plantes and the museum's library are in the spotlight. A variety of tours and events invite you to explore these fascinating spaces, which may well surprise you. Herbaria, stuffed animals, sculptures and works of art, scientific writings, natural rocks, tools, photographs, rare plants... The Museum's collections take many forms.
Accompanied by two passionate librarians, discover one of the oldest zoos in the world, through precious archives and rare illustrations. After exploring the 230-year history of the Menagerie, meet a zookeeper or veterinarian in the field. A rare opportunity to discuss the role and evolution of animal conservation professions.
From age 12.
A workshop to plunge into the world of animal drawing and discover the profession of illustrator. Participants will observe naturalized insects from the collections of the Muséum national d'histoire naturelle, and draw them in the manner of naturalist painters. Emmanuelle Tchoukriel, a graduate in medical and scientific illustration, will introduce them to the watercolor technique. The resulting insect will then be cut out and pinned onto a rigid support, labelled to resemble an entomologist's collection plate.
From age 10.
Come and play at the Bibliothèque du Muséum national d'histoire naturelle. Lotto, coloring, card games... games created from the Museum's heritage collections to help you discover the history of the Jardin des Plantes.
The Jardin des Plantes is a veritable open-air sculpture museum! The library invites you to discover its secret collections through a captivating treasure hunt. Young and old, with family or friends, answer questions, solve riddles, decipher clues and explore the garden to learn more about the history and creators of its sculptural works.
Accompanied by two passionate librarians, immerse yourself in the history of one of the Museum's flagship sites: the Grande Galerie de l'Évolution. Discover historical and iconographic documents never before available in libraries, then let yourself be guided through the heart of the Grande Galerie, following in the footsteps of the architectural and museographic transformations that have made it the fascinating exhibition space it is today.
From 12 years of age.
Create your own book cover with illustrator Julie Faulques: draw, cut out, glue and invent a cover for an animal story.
From age 6.
Gaétan Nocq, author of the graphic novel Octopolis, talks about his research work with researchers at the Muséum, and his encounters with naturalist collections.
At 5pm, he will talk with Laure Bonnaud-Ponticelli, a professor at the Muséum, who is studying the evolution of the nervous system and visual function in cuttlefish.
This discussion will be followed at 6pm by a live drawing session based on naturalized animals, representing extinct and endangered species. Gaétan Nocq practiced this exercise for a notebook published in Octopolis, and his sketchbook will join the library's collections in 2024.
My first discovery of the Jardin des Plantes
A guided tour of the Jardin des Plantes, especially for children aged 3 to 5, accompanied by their parent!
During this fun, interactive tour, children learn about botany and discover the Jardin des Plantes and its treasures. Observing plant diversity, discovering the needs and different parts of plants, transforming the Garden through the seasons - a gentle botanical journey for the youngest visitors.
Children are accompanied by an adult.
A literary and historical tour of the Jardin des Plantes
A tour of the Jardin des Plantes punctuated by historical readings.
Let yourself be guided through the Jardin des Plantes and learn more about its history and the roles of its various gardens. Along the way, listen to archive extracts that plunge you into the Jardin des Plantes of other eras.
Colors, scents, extravagance: the roses in the Rose Garden have a lot of surprises in store for you! Come and discover them, and the history of this special garden, with our scientific guides.
A fun way to discover the Jardin des Plantes rose garden!
Meet at the reception desk of the Grande Galerie de l'Evolution
The Menagerie, then and now
Discover the history, operation and conservation missions of the Menagerie!
Three 20-minute animations to discover the history of the Menagerie, the zoo of the Jardin des Plantes, from its creation to the present day, as well as its current and future developments.
An opportunity to learn more about the renovation work underway, to embark on a journey of historical anecdotes, or to meet some of the species emblematic of the Menagerie's involvement in the protection of endangered species.
2 p.m.: A short history of the Menagerie
3 p.m.: Conservation at the Menagerie
4 p.m.: Quite a job!
What better way to get out and about in one of the capital's most beautiful settings? Who's up for an exciting weekend with the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle and the Jardin des Plantes?
Dates and Opening Time
From September 21, 2024 to September 22, 2024
Location
National Museum of Natural History
36, rue Geoffroy Saint Hilaire
75005 Paris 5
Prices
Free
Recommended age
For all
Official website
www.mnhn.fr
