7000 Animals March Through the Gallery of Evolution in Paris
The Gallery of Evolution (Grande Galerie de l’Evolution) is one of several museums that are part of the National Museum of Natural History in Paris. All are located within the Jardins des Plantes. The National Museum of Natural History has 14 sites scattered across France.
A Peek Inside the Gallery
We found it to be a great place to escape the August cannicule (heat wave) when we were in Paris. The 19th century glass and metal structure is itself a marvel to behold. The Galerie des Enfants (Children’s Museum) is something to check out if you have children ages 6 -12.
Seven thousand animals are on display here in the Gallery of Evolution. These are life-like specimens, not animations or recreations! All the animals fascinated our two year old granddaughter who loved getting “up close and personal”.
View from the mezzanine level
A motion sensor activated the animal’s sound as we walked by. We spent most of our time here as our granddaughter was mesmerized by all the animals and sounds. There are four mezzanine levels that should also be explored.
We took the elevator to the mezzanine levels or you can climb the stairs. The views from above are amazing. These upper levels have fewer displays but you can still get approachably close to the specimens.
Top mezzanine level
There is a nice little café on the first level. We enjoyed our refreshments while gazing upon the grand caravan of animals that winds its way through the main level.
The Natural History Museum’s Menagerie is also here in the Jardins des Plantes. It is the second oldest zoological garden in the world. We had a lovely picnic here in the shade of the trees we were lucky to be sitting in front of the leopard display. I love this zoo!
Getting To The Gallery of Evolution
Metro Censier-Daubenton is the closest metro to this museum as you can enter the Jardin des Plantes from the southwest corner at 36 rue Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire. Metro Place monger, Metro Gare Austerlitz and Metro Juseau also provide access to the Jardins des Plantes. Practical information can be found on the museum’s site as well as on this map.
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