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The Museum of Natural Science in Angers

Explore over 830,000 natural history specimens at Angers' Museum, from fossils to taxidermied animals, in architecturally charming 19th-century buildings.

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Discover the wonders of the natural world at the Museum of Natural Science in Angers, one of France's oldest natural history museums, established in 1801. Located in the heart of Angers, the museum is home to an impressive collection of specimens and engaging exhibits for all ages.

A brief summary to The Museum of Natural Science

  • Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-6 pm
  • Friday 10 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the free hours, from 5 PM to 6 PM, to save on admission.
  • Explore the garden connecting the two main buildings for a tranquil break between exhibits.
  • Check out the temporary exhibitions for a fresh perspective on natural history.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the Arboretum Gaston-Allard to see the museum's botanical collections.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Angers city center, the Museum of Natural Sciences is easily accessible by foot. Starting from Place du Ralliement, walk east along Rue d'Alsace, then turn right onto Rue Jules Guitton. The museum will be on your left. The walk is approximately 10 minutes. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    The Irigo public transport network serves the museum. From the Angers-Saint Laud train station, take tram line A or C and get off at the 'Ralliement' stop. From there, walk east along Rue d'Alsace, then turn right onto Rue Jules Guitton. The museum will be on your left. A single ticket costs €2.00 and is valid for one hour.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Angers. A taxi ride from the Angers-Saint Laud train station to the museum costs approximately €8-€12, depending on traffic. Drop-off is directly in front of the museum entrance.

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Discover more about The Museum of Natural Science

The Museum of Natural Science in Angers, also known as Muséum d'Angers, is a municipal museum dedicated to natural history. The museum's extensive collections, comprising over 830,000 items, provide a comprehensive exploration of the natural world and its evolution. Visitors can marvel at a diverse array of specimens, including meticulously taxidermied animals, fascinating fossils, sparkling minerals, and a vast assortment of botanical specimens. The museum's origins trace back to the French Revolution when Gabriel Éléonore Merlet de la Boulaye was tasked with gathering natural history collections from national houses. These collections were initially housed in the Abbey Saint-Serge d'Angers but were plundered during the siege of Angers in 1793. In 1795, the Central School of Maine-et-Loire was established, and Joseph-Étienne Renou, a collaborator of Merlet, formed a natural history cabinet for teaching, using what remained of the collections. The museum officially opened to the public on May 5, 1801, as the Museum of Natural History. The museum is housed within two architecturally charming 19th-century buildings, seamlessly connected by a delightful French-style garden, offering a tranquil transition between exhibits. The Rotunda delves into the history of natural history museums themselves, providing context for the museum's own rich past. The Paleontology Room showcases a remarkable collection of fossils and geological specimens, offering a glimpse into prehistoric life and the Earth's geological processes. Exhibits dedicated to local wildlife highlight the biodiversity of the Angers region, while others focus on endangered species, raising awareness of the importance of conservation efforts. The museum also manages the Arboretum Gaston-Allard, which houses an extensive collection of plant specimens and serves as a center for botanical research and conservation.

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