Museum d'Histoire Naturelle (Natural History Museum), La Rochelle

Classified as a historic monument since 2003, the Natural History Museum is housed in a beautifully preserved building that exudes the charm of 19th-century architecture. Following a major renovation in 2007, it reopened its doors to the public, showcasing approximately 10,000 artifacts collected by naturalists and ethnographers since the 18th century. These collections, brought back from all corners of the globe by renowned travelers, collectors, and generous donors, offer visitors a glimpse into the vast diversity of the natural world and human cultures.

The museum's exhibitions provide a unique journey through time and space, presenting specimens from various ecosystems alongside ethnographic artifacts that reflect the richness of different cultures. Visitors can marvel at an array of taxidermy animals, rare minerals, botanical specimens, and cultural objects from Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

The old-fashioned display cases, reminiscent of 19th-century museums, are thoughtfully curated to maintain the charm of traditional museography while integrating modern scientific and cultural narratives. Themes of biodiversity, environmental conservation, and global cultural appreciation are seamlessly woven into the exhibits, offering both educational value and visual delight.