Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle de La Rochelle

Museum in La Rochelle

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Selbymay

The Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle de La Rochelle is one of the oldest museums in France outside Paris, offering an immersive exploration of both natural sciences and global cultures. Located in the former palace of the Governors of Aunis, a grand 18th-century building, the museum blends history, architecture, and science in a uniquely engaging setting. Its roots go back to the early 19th century, when local naturalist Clément Lafaille began collecting and sharing specimens with the public. Today, the museum presents more than 10,000 items across four floors, including zoological, mineralogical, ethnographic, and paleontological collections.

One of the most striking exhibits is the famous giraffe given to King Charles X in 1827, one of the first to arrive in France from Africa. Taxidermy displays of mammals, birds, and marine species line the elegant galleries, giving visitors a close look at global biodiversity. In addition to natural history, the museum houses an important ethnographic collection brought back by explorers and missionaries, including objects from Oceania, Africa, the Americas, and Asia. These exhibits are displayed with sensitivity to their origins, reflecting on the colonial context in which many were acquired.

The museum is also a hub for education and scientific outreach. Temporary exhibitions and workshops cater to both children and adults, encouraging interactive learning and reflection on the relationship between humans and the natural world. With its large windows, ornate staircases, and wooden display cases, the building itself becomes part of the visitor experience—a historical container that frames centuries of exploration and discovery. Audio guides, family trails, and themed programs enhance the accessibility of its content.

Outside, the adjoining Jardin des Plantes offers a calm botanical escape in the heart of the city. Created in the early 19th century as a teaching garden, it now functions as both a public park and an extension of the museum’s educational mission. Visitors can wander among medicinal plants, exotic trees, and seasonal blooms while continuing their journey through the natural world. Together, the museum and garden form a cultural and scientific ensemble that celebrates curiosity, learning, and respect for the diversity of life.

The Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle de La Rochelle appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting La Rochelle!

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Visiting Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle de La Rochelle

Hours:

Summer: Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 10am-6pm, Saturdays 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Winter: Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays 10am-12:30pm / 1:30pm-5:30pm, Saturdays 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Mondays closed

Price:

€8

Address: Muséum d'Histoire naturelle de La Rochelle, Rue Albert 1er, La Rochelle, France

Official Website