From July 4 to August 30, 2026, the National Museum of Natural History in Paris is hosting a diverse summer program that blends arts and sciences. This initiative caters to families, children, and curious individuals of all ages, with activities spread across various sites, including the Jardin des Plantes in Paris. The program celebrates the institution’s 400th anniversary with a range of events, guided tours, workshops, and a new exhibition on dinosaurs.
“Nature Rendezvous” at the Jardin des Plantes: A Summer Celebrating Life
Throughout the summer, the Jardin des Plantes, located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, will transform into an open-air stage for artists, scientists, gardeners, and animal caretakers. This summer event, titled “Nature Rendezvous,” runs from July 4 to August 30, 2026, offering a program designed for the entire family, focusing on discovering the living world and experiencing sensory and immersive activities.
Activities for Children (Ages 3+)
- Herbarium Creation: Hands-on workshops for young naturalists.
- Vegetable Cooking Workshops: Learn about plants and healthy eating.
- Participatory Sciences: Engage in scientific experiments and observations.
- Digital Treasure Hunts: Explore the secrets of the Jardin des Plantes and its statues.
- Meet the Animal Caretakers: Special encounters at the Ménagerie.
- Storytelling Sessions: “Books in the Garden” organized with the “Bibliothèques hors les murs.”
Activities for Adults and Teenagers
- Wandering Shows: Artistic performances throughout the gardens.
- Sound Walks: Immerse yourself in the world of animals, wild herbs, and stars.
- Gardener’s Know-How: Discover the skills of the Jardin des Plantes’ gardeners.
- Ecological Garden Visits: Exceptionally open to the public for the occasion.
New Dinosaur Exhibition and Medicinal Plant Display
Starting July 16, 2026, the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution will host a new exhibition titled “On the Trail of Dinosaurs.” This exhibition explores remarkable paleontological sites, from Oléron Island to Angeac-Charente, now the largest dinosaur deposit in Europe. Visitors can explore the ancient ecosystem where dinosaurs, turtles, crocodiles, and flying reptiles coexisted 140 million years ago. A simulated excavation site allows visitors to experience the work of a paleontologist. The exhibition is open daily during school holidays.
In parallel, the summer floral display at the Jardin des Plantes will highlight “simples,” or medicinal plants, which were the garden’s original purpose. From July 2026 until autumn, visitors can observe these plants growing under the Parisian sun, from young shoots to mature plants, with a thematic focus on the gastronomy of simples, referencing plants used in cooking and phytotherapy for centuries.
Summer Program at Other Museum Sites
Other sites of the National Museum of Natural History are also participating in this summer program with various offerings:
- Parc Zoologique de Paris: “Wild Rendezvous” focusing on wetlands and nocturnal environments, Silent Zoo evenings, Poto-poto show, meetings with researchers, and family activities.
- Musée de l’Homme: “Curious Rendezvous” with archaeology initiations, storytelling animations, guided tours, and workshops.
- Arboretum de Versailles-Chèvreloup: “Rendezvous under the Trees” with family visits, treasure hunts, and art-science workshops.
- Réserve zoologique de la Haute-Touche: “A Day with the Family” program to discover coatis, lemurs, red pandas, carnivores, and African birds.
- Jardin botanique Val-Rahmeh in Menton: Meetings with gardeners and botanical animations.
- Harmas Jean-Henri Fabre: Meetings with gardeners, flash animations, and herbarium workshops.
Digital Content to Extend the Experience
To extend the experience remotely, the Museum also offers digital content available from home, starting July 2026:
- Podcasts:
- Bestioles: For 5-7 year olds, in partnership with France Inter.
- Curieux de Sciences: For 8-12 year olds, with Bayard Jeunesse.
- Video Series:
- Tout savoir sur: In partnership with Lumni and France Télévisions.
- Le Tour de France de la Biodiversité: Available on the Museum’s social networks.
Practical Information
Dates and Times: From Saturday, July 4, 2026, to Sunday, August 30, 2026
Location: National Museum of Natural History (various sites, including Jardin des Plantes, Grande Galerie de l’Évolution, Parc Zoologique de Paris, Musée de l’Homme, Arboretum de Versailles-Chèvreloup, Réserve zoologique de la Haute-Touche, Jardin botanique Val-Rahmeh in Menton, Harmas Jean-Henri Fabre).
Contact: For more information, visit mnhn.fr
Audience: Families, children, adults, curious visitors, nature enthusiasts, science lovers.
Themes: Nature, science, environment, animals, history, culture, education, art, gastronomy, archaeology.
Highlights:
- New dinosaur exhibition.
- Interactive and immersive activities.
- Workshops for all ages.
- Special access to the Ecological Garden.
- Encounters with experts.
Planning your visit: It is recommended to check the official website for detailed schedules of specific activities and any potential changes.
Source: jds.fr
