National Museum of Natural History

"Part curio cabinet, part institution of higher learning—it's part of the Sorbonne—the National Museum of Natural History is filled with exhibitions that inspire awe in visitors of all ages. The museum consists of 14 locations across France, but the Grande Galerie d'Evolution on the Left Bank is the showstopper all its own, with interiors that pay homage to Art Nouveau Paris through elegant wrought iron railings and soaring glass windows. It's a stark contrast to the main gallery's menagerie of articulated skeletons, taxidermies, and lifelike replications. The main attraction—especially for kids—is the permanent display of life-size elephants and giraffes, but the temporary exhibitions are also good." - Julia Eskins, Melissa Liebling-Goldberg

"What's the story behind this one? Part curio cabinet, part institution of higher learning—it's part of the Sorbonne—the National Museum of Natural History is filled with exhibitions that inspire awe in visitors of all ages. The museum was founded during the French Revolution, but its collections have roots dating back to the 17th century. Tell us more about the collection. What can we expect from it? The museum consists of 14 locations across France, but the Grande Galerie d'Evolution on the Left Bank is the showstopper all its own, with interiors that pay homage to Art Nouveau Paris through elegant wrought iron railings and soaring glass windows. It's a stark contrast to the main gallery's menagerie of articulated skeletons, taxidermies, and lifelike replications, which are illuminated by a 1,000-square-meter glass ceiling. Any standout temporary exhibits? The main attraction—especially for kids—is the permanent display of life-size elephants and giraffes, but the temporary exhibitions are also good. Galerie des Enfants hosts hands-on exhibitions targeted toward children; keep an eye out for the gorgeous displays of mounted butterflies, as well—nobody taxidermies and preserves things like the French. Who's in the crowd? You're as likely to see families with young children as you are solo travelers coming to admire the architecture. How easy is it to get around? The museum has packed things in pretty tightly, so can see a lot seeing a lot without necessarily walking miles. If we're tight on time, what do you recommend we prioritize? Visit the main gallery, where a parade of skeletons create an arresting display." - Todd Plummer

"While the Jardins des Plantes’ Menagerie houses living endangered species (like red pandas and gaurs), its Natural History Museum houses taxidermy (like dodos and coelacanths), teaching kids and adults alike about the importance of conserving diverse animal life. Highlights include fossils and dinosaur skeletons in the Galerie de Paléontologie et d'Anatomie Comparée and meteorites in the Galerie de Minéralogie et de Géologie."

"A first date at the National Museum of Natural History in Paris has several advantages. 1. The lighting of the place, subdued and colorful, immersed in an intimate and warm atmosphere. 2. A visit to the museum avoids any embarrassing moments. In case there is a lull in the conversation, you can just stop and read some of the art pieces' explanations (in English and in French). 3. It allows you to reach your target of 10,000 steps per day, recommended by the WHO. If you have skipped a weekly workout session to free yourself up for the date, and you have just spent 8 hours behind your computer, you might not want to just sit down on a terrace… And if the date goes well, go upstairs to stroll between the more confidential galleries. You can lock eyes with each other through the exhibition windows, like Romeo and Juliet in the iconic aquarium scene. Although in my opinion, a first date should never drag on, if you feel like it, a bucolic stroll in the Jardin des Plantes or in the surrounding greenhouses (don't forget about those 10,000 steps!) will refocus the attention and onto the primary goal of the date: you two. Worst case, if it doesn't work out, you will have learned some new things which you can even impress your next dates with)." -Marie Bladt, Beauty Editor - Vogue Paris"