The museum was originally founded in 1791 by a decree from the French National Assembly to house natural history specimens collected during the Revolutionary period.
The current building, the Hôtel de Lisleferme, was acquired by the city of Bordeaux in 1862 specifically to house these growing collections.
The museum holds over 1 million specimens, though only a small fraction are displayed at any given time.
A skeleton of a Right Whale, a centerpiece of the museum, was installed during the building's 19th-century expansion.
The restoration completed in 2019 added a contemporary glass extension that connects the historic mansion to the exhibition spaces.
It is one of the oldest natural history museums in France, predating many similar institutions in Europe.
The Muséum de Bordeaux is located in the historic Jardin Public and focuses on zoological and geological natural history collections. It resides within the 18th-century Hôtel de Lisleferme, which underwent a major renovation and expansion that concluded in 2019. The museum's permanent exhibition, 'Nature in All Its States', presents a global look at biodiversity across three floors. Key displays include a significant collection of stuffed animals, skeletons, and geological specimens from the Aquitaine region and beyond. A dedicated 'Discovery Room' caters to children, offering interactive and sensory-based learning opportunities. The institution also maintains a rigorous scientific research program and frequent temporary exhibitions focused on contemporary environmental issues. Its historical architecture blends with modern museography to highlight the tension between natural heritage and modern conservation.
The main hall featuring the large skeleton exhibits provides the most striking interior perspective.
Combine your museum visit with a stroll through the surrounding Jardin Public.
Check the official website for temporary exhibition schedules before visiting to see if specific collections are accessible.
Visit the 'Discovery Room' if traveling with children, as it features specific tactile displays designed for younger audiences.
Do not rush through the Jardin Public; allow time for the park itself as it is an integral part of the museum's setting.
Closed on Mondays.
