The museum is located at the top of the Butte Sainte-Anne, which Verne frequented as a child to watch ships departing for distant lands.
The building was purchased by the city of Nantes in 1965 and inaugurated as a museum in 1978, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of the author's birth.
It contains a rare collection of board games and optical toys inspired by Verne's literary universe.
The museum holds over 1,000 items, including the original handwritten manuscripts of some of his most famous novels.
The house is not the author's actual childhood home, though it was selected for its period-appropriate style and geographical significance to his life.
The Jules Verne Museum is housed in a 19th-century bourgeois residence overlooking the Loire River in Nantes, the author's birthplace. The collection spans four floors, documenting Verne's literary career through original manuscripts, first editions, and historical documents. Exhibits feature personal artifacts and correspondence that trace the evolution of his scientific adventure novels. The museum holds an extensive collection of rare illustrations and early publications of the 'Voyages Extraordinaires' series. Interactive displays and multimedia elements complement the display of historical literary materials. The building itself is historically significant, representing the architectural style of Nantes during the era in which Verne lived.
The balcony terrace offering a wide-angle view of the Loire River and the distant cityscape.
Take time to visit the terraced garden outside, which offers a panoramic view of the Loire riverfront.
Check the museum's temporary exhibition space, as it frequently hosts curated displays of contemporary artists inspired by Verne.
Combine the visit with a walk through the surrounding Chantenay neighborhood to see historical spots associated with Verne’s upbringing.
Do not confuse this museum with the 'Les Machines de l'île' attraction, which is a separate entity focused on mechanical sculptures located elsewhere in the city.
Closed on Tuesdays.
