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.