NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF LILLE

The first Natural History Museum was inaugurated in 1822 in the premises of the Lille City Hall, but it was not until 1902 that it moved to its current location near the Jean-Baptiste Lebas Park. Its collections express the complexity of the living world and display its diversity, drawing visitors' attention to the fragility of ecological balances. There is a complete presentation of all the birds of Europe and an insectarium. The very long history (400 million years) of the phenomena that have shaped the northern landscapes is told along a path that explains why the region is rich in coal. Don't hesitate to get lost in this museum where you will discover or rediscover thousands of animals from all over the world. Hanging from the magnificent beams of the gallery, sperm whale, whale or rorqual skeletons float above the visitor while on the floor, animal scenes illustrate the richness and great diversity of the species. The polar bear presented in the mammal room is one of the major pieces of the museum. The presentation of the geology space, designed to be accessible to all, traces the great history where equatorial forest, dinosaurs and the chalk sea appear and disappear according to the evolution and amazing phenomena. The place is huge and deserves a detour. Attention, the place will close its doors in October 2023 for works lasting two years.