Audio GuideGallery of Evolution

Grande Galerie de l'évolution

More than 7000 preserved animal specimens displayed in a vast metal & glass 19th-century hall.

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The Grande Galerie de l'Évolution is a living tribute to the history of life, nestled in the Jardin des Plantes in Paris. Originally opened as the Gallery of Zoology in eighteen ninety-nine, the building was transformed and reopened in nineteen ninety-four with a modern design that tells the story of evolution and biodiversity. Housed in a historic structure recognized as a Monument Historique, this museum holds a prominent place in Paris’s cultural heritage.

Inside, visitors journey through themed levels that showcase nature in all its diversity. The lower levels offer displays on marine worlds, tropical forests, deserts, and more, featuring impressive exhibits like a whale skeleton. The main level focuses on the evolutionary timeline, presenting ideas from the origin of cells up to complex organisms. Here, the work of influential naturalists such as Buffon, Lamarck, Cuvier, and Darwin is brought to life. At the upper level, the impact of human actions on nature is clearly explored.

The museum blends art, architecture, and technology, using modern sound and light installations to enrich the visitor experience. Interactive features, a dedicated children’s gallery, and a virtual reality cabinet invite exploration and learning about the natural world.

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