Museum d'histoire naturelle Museums in La Rochelle

The Natural History Museum of La Rochelle, located in the former palace of the governor of Aunis and listed as a Historic Monument, offers a fascinating journey through the naturalist and ethnographic collections. Originating from the Cabinet of Natural History of Clément Lafaille (1745), it now houses more than 350,000 specimens (of which only 3% are on display!), ranging from zoology and botany to mineralogy and paleontology, with a particular wealth in ethnography due to the great travelers of La Rochelle.

The Museum has undergone major renovations, particularly in 2007, offering a modern and interactive museography. It is complemented by the Jardin des Plantes, a green setting presenting flora from five continents. The Museum plays a crucial role in education and research, hosting temporary exhibitions and workshops for all ages.