Natural History Museum of Nantes

Museum in Nantes

Basilosaurus Isis Fossil, Nantes History Museum

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Asmoth

The Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle de Nantes, established in 1810 by pharmacist and naturalist François-René Dubuisson, stands as one of France’s oldest natural history museums. Originally housed in the School for Surgery of Saint Leonard, the museum moved to its current location on Rue Voltaire in 1875, occupying a building specifically designed for its collections. Over the years, it has evolved into a comprehensive institution, showcasing a vast array of specimens across various scientific disciplines.

The museum’s collections are organized into several galleries. The Zoology Gallery presents a phylogenetic classification of vertebrates, featuring over a thousand specimens, including a remarkable 18-meter-long fin whale skeleton acquired in 1991. The Earth and Universe Sciences Gallery houses an extensive collection of minerals, rocks, fossils, and meteorites, offering insights into the planet’s geological history. Additionally, the museum boasts a significant botanical collection, comprising approximately 300,000 herbarium sheets, and an ethnology section with over 400 artifacts representing various cultures.

Enhancing its educational offerings, the museum includes a vivarium established in 1955, home to around twenty live species such as snakes, lizards, and amphibians. The institution also hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year, covering topics from space exploration to human evolution, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience for visitors. With its rich collections and commitment to public education, the Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle de Nantes serves as a vital center for scientific learning and cultural enrichment.

The Natural History Museum of Nantes appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Nantes!

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