The collection originated from the 'Cabinet d'Histoire Naturelle' created by Jean Hermann in 1772.
The building is part of the Strasbourg university campus, reflecting the city's 19th-century academic expansion.
It holds significant historical specimens from early 19th-century scientific missions in South America and Southeast Asia.
The museum underwent a major architectural and functional renovation between 2018 and 2025 to modernize display standards.
Some of the displayed skeletons and taxidermy date back to the early days of the university's teaching collection.
The Musée zoologique de Strasbourg is one of the oldest natural history museums in France, dating back to the collections of the 18th-century naturalist Jean Hermann. Reopened in 2025 following a multi-year renovation, the museum houses extensive global natural history collections including over 1.5 million specimens. Its galleries focus on vertebrate evolution, zoogeography, and the history of scientific research conducted at the University of Strasbourg. The museum is located within the historic zoology institute building, which has been updated with modern scenography while preserving its 19th-century architecture. Key displays include taxidermy specimens, skeletal reconstructions, and preserved anatomical models. It serves as both a public exhibition space and a site for ongoing academic research. The collection reflects the historical expansion of French natural sciences and colonial-era collecting expeditions.
The main staircase of the historic 19th-century building, which retains original architectural features despite internal renovations.
Check the university campus maps before arrival, as the building is nestled within a larger academic complex.
Focus on the 'Salle des Oiseaux' if you are interested in the historical display techniques preserved during the renovation.
Combine your visit with a walk through the nearby Botanical Garden, which shares historical roots with the museum.
Do not mistake the museum building for the nearby modern university library or other departmental buildings that occupy the same square.
Closed on Tuesdays.
Maintain a quiet volume; do not touch the specimens or display glass; flash photography is generally prohibited to protect sensitive historical artifacts.
