Museum of Natural Sciences, Angers

Museum in Angers

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Okapie49

Tucked away on rue Jules Guitton in the heart of Angers, the Muséum des Sciences Naturelles d'Angers is a captivating destination for anyone curious about the natural world. Established in 1801, it stands among France's oldest natural history museums, preserving over 830,000 specimens - from fossils and minerals to taxidermied animals and rare plants. The museum is spread across historic buildings linked by a peaceful French-style garden, creating an atmosphere that feels both educational and timeless.

A visit here is one of the things to do in Angers that reveals the city's scientific and cultural depth beyond its famous castles and cathedrals. Whether you're exploring its 19th-century display halls or discovering modern exhibitions on biodiversity and conservation, the Muséum des Sciences Naturelles offers a perfect blend of nostalgia and discovery.

History and Significance of the Muséum des Sciences Naturelles d’Angers
Things to See and Do in the Muséum des Sciences Naturelles d’Angers
Practical Information
How to Get There
Is the Muséum des Sciences Naturelles d’Angers Worth Visiting?
Other Sites Nearby

History and Significance of the Muséum des Sciences Naturelles d’Angers

The Muséum des Sciences Naturelles d’Angers was founded in 1801, in the spirit of Enlightenment curiosity that swept across France after the Revolution. Its mission was to study, collect, and share knowledge about the natural world. The museum’s collections grew through contributions from explorers, scientists, and local naturalists, including Gustave Abot, whose fieldwork helped shape the institution’s regional focus.

The museum's architecture reflects its long history, combining classical French design with a series of modernized galleries. The collection covers nearly every branch of natural science - zoology, botany, paleontology, mineralogy, and geology - and includes rare pieces such as extinct species specimens and fossils from the Loire region. Its age-old charm, coupled with interactive educational exhibits, makes it a great place to visit on a walking tour of Angers for families, students, and nature lovers alike.

Things to See and Do in the Muséum des Sciences Naturelles d’Angers

Visitors can wander through themed rooms that highlight the diversity and complexity of life on Earth. The Rotunda, one of the museum’s signature spaces, explores the evolution of natural history museums themselves - a fascinating glimpse into centuries of scientific curiosity. The Paleontology Room displays fossils and geological specimens tracing life’s development across millions of years, while the zoology collections showcase birds, mammals, and exotic creatures from across the globe.

There are also engaging exhibits dedicated to the natural environment of western France, including endangered species and local ecosystems. Interactive displays and temporary exhibitions bring fresh perspectives to each visit. For those who enjoy outdoor exploration, the museum manages the nearby Arboretum Gaston-Allard, a lush botanical garden that doubles as a center for plant research and conservation. This spot is one of the best places to see in Angers if you want to immerse yourself in both science and serenity.

Practical Information

Best time to visit Muséum des Sciences Naturelles d’Angers: Spring and autumn, when the garden and arboretum are at their most vibrant
Entrance fee in Euros: Around €4 for adults; discounts for students, seniors, and groups
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00-18:00; closed Mondays and public holidays
Official website: www.angers.fr/museum
How long to spend: 1-2 hours at the museum; add another hour for the Arboretum Gaston-Allard
Accessibility: Partially accessible; check in advance for mobility support
Facilities: Garden area, restrooms, museum shop
Photography tip: The Rotunda’s lighting creates striking natural contrasts - ideal for close-ups of fossils or specimens
Guided tours: Offered seasonally, often themed around biodiversity or regional wildlife
Nearby food options: Cafés and bistros within walking distance on Rue Toussaint and Place du Ralliement

How to Get There

The museum is located at 43 rue Jules Guitton, right in central Angers. From Angers-Saint-Laud train station, it's about a 15-minute walk or a short tram ride to the “Ralliement” stop, followed by a brief stroll. The Arboretum Gaston-Allard, located at 9 rue du Château d'Orgemont, can be reached by bus (Line 3 or 5) or car, about 10 minutes from the city center.

Is the Muséum des Sciences Naturelles d’Angers Worth Visiting?

Yes - especially if you appreciate natural history or are traveling with family. The Muséum des Sciences Naturelles d'Angers is one of the top attractions in Angers for its combination of history, education, and charm. Its size makes it approachable, yet its collections are impressive enough to delight both casual visitors and serious enthusiasts. The addition of the arboretum provides a refreshing contrast between the indoor world of specimens and the living world outside.

Other Sites Nearby

Château d'Angers - A grand medieval fortress housing the legendary Apocalypse Tapestry.
Cathédrale Saint-Maurice d'Angers - A stunning example of Angevin Gothic architecture overlooking the Maine River.
Galerie David d'Angers - A beautifully restored abbey displaying sculptures under a luminous glass roof.
Musée des Beaux-Arts - A cultural gem showcasing fine art and archaeological collections from the region.
Jardin des Plantes - Another tranquil green space, often visited on walking tours of Angers, offering landscaped gardens and peaceful paths.

For those who love science, history, or simply exploring something off the beaten path, the Muséum des Sciences Naturelles d'Angers is a treasure trove of curiosity. It's a place where the past and present of the natural world meet - and one of the must-see places in Angers for an afternoon of quiet wonder.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.2 (657)

The Museum of Natural Science at 43 Rue Jules Guitton occupies a stately former palace and displays dinosaur fossils alongside taxidermy of animals and birds, with sections featuring sea life, stones and skeletons; visitors note a varied collection that appeals to wildlife lovers and older children or teenagers but find the displays small, somewhat dated and in need of more interactive interpretation, while experiences with staff are mixed though reception can be helpful and practical amenities like lockers and toilets are available.

I A (Izzy)

5 months ago

"The reception team is friendly and explained the visit , the location have few spots closed due to renovation and we was offered 50% off discountplus kids were for free , lockers and toilets available next to the reception , The variety of animals and insects was nice , but the second part with sea life and stones and skeletons was very interesting to us . Thanks..."

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S Ke on

a year ago

"A bit underwhelming really. Thankfully only cost 4 euros per person. It is very small and just a collection of st￭ animals with not much explanation.Compared to other similar museums I have visited it needs a massive update and more interactive exhibits. The gentleman who served us was delightful but other members of staff were very rude. Would not be visiting a second time...."

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Julio Cesar becker

a year ago

"Good place to visit and understand the planet’s history. Needs more time to see and explain to children. Better with teenagers."

The Museum of Natural Sciences appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Angers!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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