Review of the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution

For our very last weekend in France before returning to Vietnam, we chose to take one final trip to Paris by train.

On the agenda: a special outing for the kids with a visit to the Jardin des Plantes and its famous Grande Galerie de l’Évolution.

It was perfect timing — we actually had to create an adventure story for our son’s school… and for Little Wolf too!

A few words about the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution

The Grande Galerie de l’Évolution, located in the Jardin des Plantes in Paris, is a fascinating museum that tells the story of life on Earth.

Visitors can discover hundreds of preserved animals and impressive displays about evolution and biodiversity.

Our experience

Transportation

It’s worth noting that the Jardin des Plantes and the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution are open on Sundays. We had planned a family visit on a Saturday by train, but the adventure turned out to be a bit complicated — especially in metro stations without elevators, like Jussieu.

The area around Jussieu station, for its part, was remarkably calm and peaceful at the time of our visit, offering a striking contrast to the hustle and bustle of livelier neighborhoods.

After a short 10-minute walk, we finally found the entrance to the Gallery, nestled in the heart of the Jardin des Plantes.

The Great Gallery of Evolution

The Grande Galerie de l’Évolution charges an entrance fee of €13 for adults, while admission is free for those under 26.

The Gallery is primarily a vast multi-level building, showcasing animals displayed in a grand and carefully designed setting.

After visiting the Natural History Museum in New York, which I really enjoyed, I found this gallery particularly interesting thanks to its open-space design.

Honestly, we were almost more impressed by the architecture than by the exhibition itself — not that the latter lacked in quality.

You can access the different floors by stairs or elevators. The glass roof is equipped with a system that recreates various weather conditions and times of day, enhancing the immersive experience.

Marine section

The first section, located on the first floor, immersed us in the world of marine species, featuring sharks, a giant octopus, and the impressive skeleton of a huge whale.

The baleen plates of this whale were particularly impressive, resembling in some ways the texture of hair gathered together in the shape of a broom.

On the first level, bathed in shades of blue, we also discovered magnificent species previously unknown to us. We were fascinated by the shapes of these creatures, which often resemble those of fighter jets.

The work done to reproduce these species with meticulous attention to detail is remarkable, even for the smaller fish.

Large marine mammals are also featured. Although we naturally prefer visiting an aquarium to see fish, or even better, go snorkeling, discovering these unique species is always a fascinating experience.

The first floor

The gallery on the first floor is undoubtedly the most iconic, featuring animals walking in herds. What I particularly love is that this space is visible from the upper floors, offering an increasingly aerial and panoramic perspective.

Of course, the view from the ground is just as impressive. It is interesting to note that the elephant leads the procession, while the lion brings up the rear — a surprising narrative, quite different from that of The Lion King.

The upper floors

The upper floors, smaller in area, are arranged in straight lines. Nevertheless, they remain just as captivating.

They are generally less crowded, making it easier to take your time admiring the animals.

It is worth noting that the overall atmosphere is quite dim, which creates a strong contrast and highlights the animals with focused lighting.

The general atmosphere and lighting change frequently, sometimes even featuring very realistic thunderstorms and rain that make you feel as if it’s actually raining outside.

In addition to showcasing life-sized, faithfully reproduced animals, the gallery also offers interactive micro-environments.

The Galerie de l’Évolution is not limited to animals: it also traces the evolution of plants through the millennia, showing, for example, how agriculture has genetically transformed a simple plant like wheat.

I believe that, just like in cinema, the quality of the lighting reveals a lot about the value of the place and the exhibition. This constant play of contrasts truly highlights each environment.

Moreover, the architecture helps to enhance the space. As an aspiring photographer, I can easily imagine myself taking portraits there, enjoying the unique atmosphere and the many levels and staircases.

In the end, this visit to the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution pleasantly surprised us, both by the richness of its exhibitions and by the quality of its layout and architecture.

What is fascinating about Paris is that this so renowned Parisian elegance remains always alive and authentic.

The resting area

The resting area offers a small snack bar with prices that we found a bit pricey, but considering the view and the location, it is understandable.

For example, expect to pay around €3.50 for a small bottle of San Pellegrino, and about €11 to €14 for a salad or a simple dish.

For food, you can choose from desserts, pastrami bagels, spinach quiches, ham and butter sandwiches, salads, as well as various wraps and sandwiches.

Overall, the food was quite good, especially the bagel, although a bit pricey. You should think of this place as a snack spot since visits usually last less than two hours, making a full-service restaurant unnecessary.

Additionally, the Jardin des Plantes also offers very pleasant terraces to relax on.

Verdict

8.5 on 10.

The Grande Galerie de l’Évolution is a magnificent place enhanced by its architecture and the quintessentially Parisian style.

While this gallery may not necessarily have more extensive collections than a museum like the Natural History Museum in New York, it undeniably possesses a unique charm that sets it apart.

This combination of architecture, lighting effects, and overlapping levels gives the whole space a life-sized impression, providing a particularly captivating experience.

Moreover, being located in Paris’s Jardin des Plantes, these two sites usually make for a full and enjoyable day when visited together.