World by City

Zoos & aquariums

Muséum national d'histoire naturelle

Open in Maps
Muséum national d'histoire naturelle

Muséum national d'histoire naturelle

Located in Paris, this institution is a natural history museum that originated as a royal garden. It opened to the public in 1793, coinciding with the opening of the Louvre. Travelers visit this site to view an extensive collection of plant and animal specimens that document the progression of natural history.

Getting There

The museum is accessible from the city center via the Paris Metro or RER trains. Depending on your starting point in central Paris, the journey typically takes between 20 and 40 minutes.

Time Allocation

Due to the size of the collections and the layout of the gardens and galleries, visitors should allow at least 3 to 5 hours to explore the primary exhibits.

When to Visit

The museum can get crowded, particularly during school holiday periods and weekends. Visiting on weekday mornings generally allows for a quieter experience. The outdoor garden areas are most accessible during the spring and summer months.

Nearby Attractions

The museum's location allows for easy combination with other nearby sites:

  • Grand Mosque of Paris: 0.1km
  • Panthéon: 0.9km
  • île Saint-Louis: 1.1km
  • Notre-Dame de Paris: 1.3km

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

This place may not appear in the results — some sites are free to enter or sell tickets only at the gate.

Stays near Muséum national d'histoire naturelle

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

Map and place data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Muséum national d'histoire naturelle Nearby stays

Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

Pick your dates — we'll search Paris hotels for you

Choose dates and guests, and the buttons below will open search results with your criteria. Prices differ between sites, so compare before you book.

Hotel membership

Staying at Accor hotels often? ALL Accor+ Explorer

A paid annual membership. It includes two free nights a year across Asia-Pacific, 30% off dining and 15% off drinks, and 15% off stays at more than 4,500 hotels worldwide.

Explore the membership

Good to visit alongside