Deyrolle: a Parisian address for those who love the strange and beautiful
If you want to see Paris not just through art museums but also through natural collections, take a peek into Deyrolle on rue du Bac. This historical institution, founded in 1831, presents entomology, taxidermy, and science in a nearly theatrical way — so that an ordinary stroll quickly turns into a small expedition.
What is this place
Deyrolle specializes in natural sciences, insects, minerals, shells, fossils, taxidermied animals, and prehistoric tools. Here you can see birds, beasts, and mammals from various corners of the world, as well as examine exhibits that remind you of the old European tradition of learning through real objects.
The establishment is located in a 17th-century building at 46 rue du Bac, in the 7th arrondissement of Paris. The combination of historical architecture and unusual collections creates the impression that you have stepped not into a shop or exhibition space, but into the study of a naturalist from another era.
Why you should go
The atmosphere leaves the strongest impression. Deyrolle is unlike an ordinary museum with long halls and neutral labels: here, natural objects become part of a visual scene that you want to examine slowly. It’s a good place for those interested not only in "beautiful" exhibits but also in the very boundary between science, collecting, and art.
A special feature is the educational charts. They began to be developed back in the 19th century for lessons in botany, zoology, anatomy, geography, and other disciplines. They show how complex things were once explained through large colorful illustrations, and later the themes were supplemented with modern ecological and social issues.
It’s also worth considering the emotional side of the visit: taxidermy can captivate, surprise, or even seem eerie. Therefore, Deyrolle may not be for everyone, but if you love unusual places, natural collections, and Parisian addresses with character, the experience will almost certainly linger long.
After the fire in 2008, Deyrolle continued to exist as a renowned Parisian institution associated with natural history, entomology, taxidermy, and educational materials. It’s not a place for a quick "check off the list," but rather a brief, strange, and very atmospheric stop during a walk along the Left Bank.
If you are interested in natural sciences, antique collections, and places that slightly deviate from the usual tourist route, you definitely should visit Deyrolle — would you go to see such an unusual Paris?
