Museum

Muséum d'histoire naturelle

Muséum d'histoire naturelleBenh LIEU SONG · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 3.0
Check tickets & tours

Some booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.

The Muséum d'histoire naturelle de Nantes is a treasure trove of natural wonders, housed in a historic building in the city center. Its collections span zoology, geology, paleontology, and botany, with over 500,000 specimens. The zoology gallery features impressive taxidermy displays, including a giant elephant and a whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling. The earth sciences section showcases minerals, fossils, and meteorites. A highlight is the vivarium, home to live reptiles, amphibians, and insects, offering a chance to see creatures up close. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and educational workshops. It's a family-friendly attraction that appeals to curious minds of all ages, with interactive elements and a charming garden.

Don't miss

  • The giant whale skeleton in the main hall
  • The vivarium with live snakes, lizards, and frogs
  • The mineral and fossil collection, including local specimens
  • Temporary exhibitions on natural history themes

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Muséum d'histoire naturelle

You can visit Muséum d'histoire naturelle on your own. A guide mainly adds context, what you are looking at and why it matters, and a tour can add transport or combine nearby sights into one day.

Getting there

More attractions in Nantes

Planning your trip to Nantes? See where to eat, more attractions, or build a Nantes itinerary.