Artists at the Museum

Discover the art collections of the National Museum of Natural History in the heart of the Grand Gallery of Evolution

To celebrate its 400th anniversary, the National Museum of Natural History in Paris is showcasing its art collections in a major exhibition titled “Artists at the Museum.” Over the centuries, artists such as Le Douanier Rousseau have visited the museum, drawing inspiration from what they saw to paint or create. They also collaborated with scientists to depict animals, plants, and minerals, thereby inventing new techniques, such as paintings on vellum. The exhibition in the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution takes visitors on a journey through more than 300 works -ranging from paintings and photographs to sculptures, drawings, films, and taxidermy - revealing the full beauty of nature. On view from 23 September to 7 March 2027.