Musée de la Chasse & de la Nature
Opened by André Malraux in the Hôtel de Guénégaud (historic monument from the 17th century by François Mansart) on 21st February 1967, the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature was extended in 2007 into the neighbouring mansion, the Hôtel de Mongelas (18th century). Making use of this renovation and extension, the museum “exhibits” the relationship between humans and animals through the ages (from Antiquity to the present day) and is based on exceptional collections of ancient, modern and contemporary art brought together by the founders and expanded continuously for close to half a century. A private museum, it benefits from the “Musée de France” label granted by the Ministry of Culture and Communication.
Permanent collections
A collation of works of art (paintings, drawings, sculptures, rugs, tapestries, goldsmithery, ceramics, weapons, trophies, armour, furniture, objets d’art, installations, photographs, videos etc.), the permanent collections are presented in an original museography combining the works with stuffed animals and elements of interpretation. Designed as a belvedere opening onto a wild space, the museum enables visitors to understand animals in their environment, in the centre of Paris. This proposal remains faithful to what the founders wanted, a “house for art lovers”.
Temporary exhibitions
Updated three or four times a year, accessible to the general public without an increase in the entry fee, the temporary exhibitions give a particular additional perspective on the permanent collections. While they contribute to enriching the perception of the human-animal relationship, by appealing to competitions for present day artists (asked individually or collectively), some of them enable the collections to be put into perspective both historically and artistically. Making use of the exhibitions, a specific cultural proposal is made to the general public (individuals, groups, families, schools).
Cultural schedule
Born from the desire to increase awareness and loyalty among the general public, the museum’s cultural schedule is varied in nature: visits, workshops, conferences, late opening on Wednesday nights, symposiums. Alongside this rich proposal is that of the association Friends of the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature. Part of the national and European networks of public and private cultural institutions, the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature furthermore conducts an active policy of scientific partnerships, through curators, loans of work, publications and symposiums.
Photo credit courtesy of Paris Tourist Office