Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature: Explore the Hidden Treasures in Paris’ Marais District
In the heart of Paris’s Marais district lies one of the city’s most unique museums: the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature. Far from being just a collection of hunting artifacts, this museum mixes art, history, and the natural world into an unusual experience. It focuses on the deep connections between humans, animals, and nature.
The museum is housed in the beautiful Hôtel de Guénégaud and Hôtel de Mongelas, both historical homes from the 17th and 18th centuries.
The collections are actually spread across two locations: its home in the Marais and the Château de Chambord, where part of its vast art collection is displayed.
The museum is divided into three main categories focusing on the history of hunting and its impact on art and culture:
Hunting Instruments
The museum showcases a wide array of hunting tools, from ancient times to modern-day. Many of the items come from the personal collection of the museum’s founders, while others were sourced from the Georges Pauilhac Collection (on loan from the Musée de l’Armée).
The standout pieces include firearms used by Louis XIII, Marie-Thérèse of Austria, Napoleon I, and Napoleon III.
Trophies and Taxidermy
The museum has an impressive collection of hunting trophies and preserved animals from all over the world. Among these are species from Europe, Africa, Asia, and America.
One of the rarest items on display is a kouprey trophy, a wild ox from Cambodia that is now critically endangered.
Art Depicting Wildlife and Hunting
The museum also has an extensive collection of artwork, from Antiquity to modern times, representing animals and hunting scenes. The paintings include works by renowned artists like Pierre Paul Rubens, Lucas Cranach the Elder, and Jean-Baptiste Oudry.
You'll also see works by François Desportes, the famous painter of Louis XIV’s hunting dogs, with pieces like Tigre Royal and Casoars et Toucan.
Additionally, the museum presents contemporary art, with contributions from over 30 modern artists, including Jan Fabre, Jean-Michel Othoniel, and Mark Dion.
A Unique Mix of History and Contemporary Art
Beyond historical collections, the museum has embraced contemporary art for a great contrast between the old and the new. Examples include Patrick Van Caeckenbergh’s works and the modern creations of the Ymer&Malta studio. These exhibits challenge traditional views of hunting and nature and reflect on humanity’s evolving relationship with the animal world.
Practical Information
TAhe Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature is located at 62 Rue des Archives in the Marais, just a short walk from the Hôtel de Ville. Open every day 11 AM to 6 PM except Monday. Admission is around €10 for adults, and children under 18 can enter for free.
If you’ve already visited the big museums in Paris, this hidden gem will offer something refreshingly different. It offers a peaceful alternative to the crowded major museums. You'll get historical artifacts, stunning works of art, and the chance to see rare species up close.