The central library is closed from December 19th to January 3rd.
Partial reopening by appointment only from January 4th 2021.
More informations : bibliotheques.mnhn.fr
Would you like to learn even more from your visit to the Jardin des Plantes (Garden of Plants)? Are you passionate about natural, earth and human sciences? The Museum’s libraries contain some 2 million documents for you to peruse!
Target public
Media library
open to all
Research library
open to all researchers on presentation of ID
Getting here
Libraries
Access via 38 rue Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire or the Jardin des Plantes
75005 Paris
The Media Library
On the ground floor, the Media Library collections are open to all for browsing: here you will find reference works and practical guides dedicated to botany, zoology, ecology, prehistory, palentology, science history, gardening, and landscape art. A collection adapted to a young audience awaits budding naturalists and the curious.
If you come to the Media Library, you will also be able to admire the famous Cabinet of Curiosities assembled by Joseph Bonnier de la Mosson, a wealthy 18th-century scholar. Acquired by Buffon for the Jardin du Roi (King’s Garden), the cabinet is listed as a historic monument. Also on display are the full-scale hippopotamus sculpted in 1931 by François Pompon and the model of HMS Beagle, the famous vessel used by young Charles Darwin for his 2nd expedition.
The Research Library
Do you need to do some research using the library’s specialist collections? On the 2nd floor you will find books and journals (printed and electronic versions), maps, manuscripts, scientific and institutional archives, drawings, photographs, art works and objects
Throughout your visit, library staff will be on hand to guide you and help you find what you are looking for.
