Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle, Marseille

Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle, Marseille

The Natural History Museum of Marseille (Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle de Marseille stands as one of the most popular museums in France. Its inception can be traced back to 1819 when it was founded by Jean-Baptiste, Marquis de Montgrand, along with Christophe de Villeneuve-Bargemon, who served as the prefect of the Bouches-du-Rhône department. The majestic Longchamp Palace in the 4th arrondissement of Marseille, designed by Henri-Jacques Espérandieu, became its permanent home.

Throughout its history, the museum underwent several relocations, initially residing in the Chapelle des Bernardines before finally settling at the Palais Longchamp in 1869. Here, it shares space with the Musée des Beaux-Arts, creating a harmonious cultural hub.

Nowadays, the museum operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Higher Education and Research and holds the esteemed title of a classified museum in France since 2002.

Within its walls, an astonishing array of natural treasures awaits exploration, with a staggering collection of 83,000 zoological specimens, 200,000 botanical specimens, 81,000 fossils, and 8,000 mineral specimens. Apart from being a repository of wonders, the museum takes pride in hosting conferences and temporary exhibitions, enriching the knowledge and experience of its visitors.

The museum's legacy is further enhanced by the contributions of its remarkable directors, and one of the most renowned among them was the esteemed naturalist Antoine-Fortuné Marion (1846–1900), who held the directorship during the late 19th century, leaving a lasting impact on the institution.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Marseille. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle on Map

Sight Name: Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle
Sight Location: Marseille, France (See walking tours in Marseille)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery

Walking Tours in Marseille, France

Create Your Own Walk in Marseille

Create Your Own Walk in Marseille

Creating your own self-guided walk in Marseille is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Marseille Introduction Walking Tour

Marseille Introduction Walking Tour

Marseille was created by immigrants from all around the Mediterranean basin even before the Phocaeans. In about 620 BC a Greek Phoenician galley rowed into a small outlet called Lacydon Creek, looking for trade. They found it. Ligurians occupied the land, and being sort of Greek themselves, they didn't mind doing business.

The leader of the galley people was one called Protis. Protis was...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Historical Churches Walking Tour

Historical Churches Walking Tour

Marseille's religious scene, albeit diverse, is dominated by Christianity. The Christian presence in the city dates back to ancient times, making it an integral part of local identity. The vibrant Mediterranean port city also has been a significant pilgrimage destination.

The majority of Christians in Marseille are Roman Catholics, whose prevalence is manifested in the form of multiple...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Food and Shopping Walk

Food and Shopping Walk

Shopping in Marseille is a great way to mingle with the locals and immerse in new tastes, scents and customs. As with so much else in this melting-pot of a city, the top-of-the-range stores here rub shoulders with the funky little boutiques, high-street chains with scruffy discount outlets or traditional family groceries and bakeries.

Marseille doesn't have a flagship thoroughfare as such,...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Marseille's Old Town

Marseille's Old Town

Marseille's Panier (Old Town) is full of history. The nick "Panier" means "basket" and it comes from the 17th-century inn, Le Logis du Panier, that once stood on today's rue du Panier.

Over the course of centuries the cobblestone streets of Marseille's Old Town had been a haven for refugees, criminals, and prostitutes, as well as Resistance fighters, Jews and...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles