Natural History Museum, Rouen Travel Guide

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Explore biodiversity and scientific history at Rouen's Natural History Museum, home to 800,000 specimens in a 17th-century convent.

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Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum of Rouen, founded in 1828, is one of France's largest natural history museums outside of Paris. Housed in a former convent, it boasts a vast collection of specimens and artifacts, offering a glimpse into the world's biodiversity and scientific history.

A brief summary to Natural History Museum

198 Rue Beauvoisine, Rouen, 76000, FR
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Wednesday 2 pm-5 pm
Saturday 2 pm-5 pm
Sunday 2 pm-5:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Natural History Museum.

Visit on weekdays for a less crowded experience.
Check the museum's website for special events and temporary exhibitions.
Allow at least two hours to fully explore the museum's diverse collections.

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Getting There

Public Transport

The Natural History Museum is easily accessible via Rouen's public transport network. Take the Metro, Fast Line F1, or bus lines 6, 7, 20, or 22 to the Beauvoisine stop, which is directly near the museum. A single ticket costs around €1.70.
Walking

From the Rouen Cathedral, head southwest on Rue de la République. Continue for approximately 500 meters until you reach Place de la République. Take Rue des Carmes on your left and follow it until you arrive at Rue Beauvoisine. Turn right onto Rue Beauvoisine, and the museum will be on your left at number 198.

Discover more about Natural History Museum

The Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle de Rouen, established in 1828 by Félix Archimède Pouchet, resides within the walls of the former Convent of the Visitation Sainte Marie, a building dating back to the 17th century. Originally conceived as a "cabinet of natural history" for higher education in zoology, botany, and pharmacy, it quickly evolved into a significant hub for natural sciences in the 19th century. Today, the museum's objective is to serve as a 21st-century forum, engaging visitors with contemporary scientific and cultural issues. Its extensive collections, comprising approximately 800,000 objects, position it as a leading institution in the region. The museum showcases a diverse range of exhibits, including vertebrate fossils, taxidermied animals, shells, and ethnographic collections, all contributing to a comprehensive exploration of the natural world. The museum's displays reflect the evolution of scientific museology, creating a unique atmosphere that has inspired writers such as Gustave Flaubert and Guy de Maupassant. Visitors can explore the Gallery of Continents, examine specimens from Gaston Saint's Australian travels, and delve into the museum's rich heritage. The museum also organizes temporary exhibitions, events, and workshops for adults and children, and has received the Mom'Art award for its welcoming environment for young visitors.