About the Museum
On 10 June 1793, a decree issued by the Convention led to the establishment of the National Museum of Natural History, a direct descendant of the Royal Garden of Medicinal Plants founded in 1635. This major institution for scientific research and the dissemination of knowledge now comprises 12 sites across France and is involved in five areas of activity.
Situated at the crossroads of research, culture and society, the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle is dedicated to the study of nature and the relationship between humans and the natural world. Serving as a centre for research, education and expertise, it also houses extensive collections displayed in its museums, botanical and zoological gardens, and libraries. Building on nearly four centuries of scientific exploration and looking to the future, the Museum brings together unrivalled disciplines, professions and knowledge, which it shares with the world. The breadth of its activities, spanning the natural, human and social sciences, establishes it as a leading authority on ecological and societal issues, enabling it to shed scientific light on the major challenges of the 21st century, both in France and beyond its borders.
Find out more about the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle