The Jardin des Plantes is a museum of natural history in Paris, France. It is one of the most important and oldest natural history museums in the world, with a history dating back to 1635. The museum is located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, in the heart of the city’s Latin Quarter. It is part of the Natural History Museum of Paris, which also includes the Museum of Man and the Museum of Evolution.
History
The Jardin des Plantes was founded in 1635 by Louis XIII, who granted the royal botanist, Guy de La Brosse, permission to establish a garden in the royal garden. In 1640, the garden was opened to the public. It was expanded over the years, and in 1667, the botanical garden was moved to the Jardin des Plantes, where it still stands today. In the 19th century, the museum was enlarged and many new galleries and exhibitions were added.
Collections
The Jardin des Plantes has a wide variety of collections, including plant and animal specimens, fossils, and minerals. The museum also has an extensive library with over 400,000 volumes, as well as a large herbarium with more than 3 million specimens. The museum also has an aquarium, a botanical garden, a hothouse, and a zoological park.
Exhibitions
The Jardin des Plantes offers a variety of exhibitions and activities. The museum’s permanent exhibitions include the Evolution Gallery, the Mammals Gallery, the Birds Gallery, the Reptiles Gallery, the Insects Gallery, and the Palaeontology Gallery. There are also temporary exhibitions and activities for children, such as the Dinosaur Adventure and the Insects Safari.
Events
The Jardin des Plantes hosts a variety of events throughout the year. There are regular lectures and workshops on topics such as botany, zoology, and natural history. The museum also hosts special events, such as the annual “Jardin des Plantes Festival” and the “International Day of Biological Diversity.”
Location and Opening Hours
The Jardin des Plantes is located at 57 Rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris. It is open daily from 9am to 6pm, except on public holidays. There is an admission fee for adults, and discounts are available for children and students.
Conclusion
The Jardin des Plantes is an important museum of natural history in Paris. It has an extensive collection of plant and animal specimens, fossils, and minerals, as well as an extensive library and herbarium. The museum also hosts a variety of exhibitions and events throughout the year, and is open daily from 9am to 6pm. If you’re looking for an interesting way to learn about the natural world, the Jardin des Plantes is the perfect place to visit.