The Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature (Museum of Hunting and Nature) is one of Paris’s most unusual and enchanting museums — a place where art, history, and the natural world intertwine in surprising and thought-provoking ways. Tucked away in the historic Marais district, inside two adjoining 17th-century mansions, this museum offers a collection that is at once refined, curious, and sometimes whimsical. Rather than presenting hunting merely as a sport, the museum explores humanity’s ancient relationship with animals and nature through art, artifacts, and imagination.
Founded in 1964 by François and Jacqueline Sommer — passionate hunters, conservationists, and art patrons — the museum was designed to celebrate the traditions of hunting while also promoting respect for nature. It underwent a major renovation in 2007, transforming it into one of Paris’s most original cultural spaces, blending classical collections with modern installations.
The museum’s rooms are arranged like a grand cabinet of curiosities. Visitors move through spaces themed around animals, forests, and mythology, where antique weapons and armor sit beside paintings by Rubens and Brueghel, alongside contemporary art inspired by nature. The Salle des Trophées (Trophy Room) presents taxidermy animals with a sense of theatricality, while the Cabinet des Chiens pays homage to hunting dogs through portraits and sculptures. Quirky details abound: drawers you can open to reveal treasures, secret doors, and surreal juxtapositions that blur the line between natural history and fine art.
But the museum is not just about hunting. It is about the relationship between humans and animals across centuries — from reverence and mythology to domination and companionship. Works of contemporary artists such as Jan Fabre and Sophie Calle bring modern perspectives to age-old themes, making the museum as much about today’s environmental questions as about the past.
The Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature is also known for its atmosphere. The wood-paneled salons, dim lighting, and antique furniture give it the feel of a private collector’s mansion rather than a formal institution. It is intimate, intriguing, and often surprising — a museum where you don’t just look at objects, but feel immersed in stories and symbolism.
Why You Should Visit
- To explore one of Paris’s most original and eclectic museums.
- To see a unique mix of fine art, taxidermy, antiques, and contemporary works.
- To experience a “cabinet of curiosities” atmosphere in historic mansions.
- To reflect on humanity’s evolving relationship with animals and nature.
Practical Information
Tickets & Entry
- Standard entry: €12.
- Reduced rate: €8 (students, seniors, groups).
- Free for children under 18.
Opening Hours
- Tuesday to Sunday: 11:00 – 18:00.
- Wednesday: open late until 21:30.
- Closed on Mondays and certain holidays.
Best Time to Visit
- Weekday mornings: Quieter, with more time to explore the details.
- Evenings on Wednesdays: A more atmospheric experience.
- Combine with a stroll through the Marais, one of Paris’s most historic districts.
Getting There
- Metro: Rambuteau (Line 11), Hôtel de Ville (Lines 1 & 11), or Arts et Métiers (Lines 3 & 11).
- Bus: Lines 29, 38, 47, 75.
- Walking: Located in the heart of the Marais, near Place des Vosges and Musée Picasso.
Insider Tips
- Don’t miss the playful interactive details, like drawers and hidden compartments.
- Take time in the Trophy Room — it’s designed to provoke thought, not just display.
- Look for the contemporary art installations, which rotate regularly.
- Buy tickets online to avoid queues, especially on weekends.
- Allow 1–2 hours to fully enjoy the museum’s quirky charm.
Quick Facts
- Founded: 1964, by François & Jacqueline Sommer.
- Location: Marais district, in Hôtel de Guénégaud and Hôtel de Mongelas mansions.
- Collection: 5,000+ objects (paintings, sculptures, weapons, taxidermy, contemporary art).
- Style: Cabinet of curiosities meets fine art museum.
- Atmosphere: Intimate, surprising, imaginative.
Final Thoughts
The Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature is unlike any other museum in Paris. It is not just about hunting — it is about humanity’s fascination with animals, the beauty of nature, and the symbolic power of art. Quirky, immersive, and inspiring, it offers visitors a journey into the strange and beautiful connections between people and the natural world. For those who seek something off the beaten path, this museum is a hidden treasure of the Marais, a place where history, art, and imagination converge.
