GRANDE GALERIE DE L'ÉVOLUTION

The Grande Galerie de l'Evolution, inaugurated in 1889 and renovated in the 1990s, is a grandiose showcase in the south-western part of the Jardin des Plantes, overlooked by three mezzanines and bathed in light from an immense glass roof. One of the galleries of the Muséum national d'histoire naturelle (MNHN), it is a museum in its own right. Here, 7,000 specimens are on display, divided up according to the places and territories of settlement: ocean life, Africa, South America, the poles... emotions guaranteed when faced with the majesty of the animals, formidably presented. Further on, endangered or extinct species await you, providing food for thought about the consequences of human actions. The Grande Galerie de l'Evolution was created from the former zoology gallery. As soon as you enter, you enter a space dedicated to marine life. Two gigantic skeletons can be seen, that of a southern right whale and that of a blue whale. Immediately afterwards, a giant plastinated squid shows off its tentacles, and tuna and mackerel seem to dart around you! Prepare to be immersed in a variety of living environments along the way. You're about to experience the adventure of biodiversity! From one area to the next, you'll discover different terrestrial species. Level 0 is devoted to marine species, from coral reefs to abyssal ocean plains, coastlines and hot springs. Then it's on to the discovery of terrestrial environments, starting with the savannah animals that are widely represented. You'll see a lion, of course, but also an elephant, giraffes, zebras, hyenas, wildebeests and cheetahs. All these species are displayed here, in single file, right in the middle of the room. On the same level, you'll travel from room to room, taking just a few steps to come face to face with the Arctic or Antarctic fauna, with its polar bears, penguins and seals. There are also explanations of taxidermy and the permanent collections. On the upper balconies, take part in the adventure of evolution. Anatomy, fossils and molecules - everything will become clearer after your visit! You'll discover the secrets of genetic laws, DNA and kinship. In the historical section, a great deal of attention is also paid to the researchers who worked on the evolution of living organisms, from Buffon to Darwin, via Lamarck, Cuvier and Saint-Hilaire. On level 2, the third and final act of the visit to the Grande Galerie de l'Evolution is devoted to man and his evolution. Technical evolutions have punctuated man's impact on nature, and we discover the changes that have taken place over time (gathering, hunting, fishing...), as well as the various journeys made by man to colonize new environments. In this space, you'll be made aware of the ecological cause and environmental protection, particularly in the area devoted to pollution and its devastating effects on the planet. There are also additional rooms, such as the one devoted to endangered and extinct species, where you can admire a giant turtle from the island of Rodrigues, a dodo (with its complete skeleton) and an endangered Sumatran tiger. A visit that makes you even more aware of the ecological emergency. The Grande Galerie de l'Evolution has also set up a "children's gallery" to appeal to younger visitors. This area focuses on three species: the dodo, the Seychelles giant tortoise and the narwhal. Children can, for example, discover the narwhal's impressive tusk and sit in an igloo to listen to Inuit storytelling. The permanent exhibition is also highly interactive, with explanatory terminals along the way and game cards that can be downloaded from the website or picked up at reception. Scientific mediators are on hand to answer any questions you may have. The Grande Galerie de l'Evolution also houses a virtual reality cabinet on the third floor. This is a first for a French museum! Opened in 2017, it offers a fully immersive 3D visit. Your admission ticket includes the opportunity to try out one of the two tours on offer. With "Journey to the Heart of Evolution", you'll explore the tree of life and its classification. You'll go back to the origin of life and study the links between different species. The second tour takes you on a 15-minute submarine journey to the Arctic, 20 m under the sea. The experience takes place in two stages: in 1950 and 150 years later. The difference is staggering! The room features five virtual reality stations, so you can take part in the experience together.You'll be accompanied throughout by a mediator who will introduce you to this immersive visit, until you return to reality! For a journey through time and space, right in the heart of Paris, visit the Grande Galerie de l'Évolution!