To mark its 400th anniversary, the National Museum of Natural History is hosting an exhibition called Artists at the Museum, which explores the museum's history through the works of over 140 artists. The exhibition will run from September 23, 2026, to March 7, 2027, in the Grande Galerie de l'Évolution. It will feature more than 300 artworks, ranging from 17th-century vellum drawings to modern pieces, highlighting the evolving relationship between art and science.
The exhibition includes works by renowned artists such as Eugene Delacroix, Antoine-Louis Barye, Salvador Dali, Francois Pompon, Robert Doisneau, and Alberto Giacometti. It will cover an area of over 800 square meters and include contributions from a dozen contemporary artists. The display will trace the long-standing connection between the museum and artists, showing how the museum's collections and environments have inspired creative expression over centuries.
The Jardin des Plantes, which was the precursor to the National Museum of Natural History, has historically drawn artists and scientists alike. Starting in the 17th century, the garden and its surroundings became a place for artists to study and depict exotic animals and natural forms. Notable figures such as Pierre-Joseph Redouté, Gustave Moreau, Henri Matisse, Auguste Rodin, and Henri Rousseau found inspiration in the museum's early collections and settings.
The exhibition is divided into three main sections. The first examines the collaboration between artists and scientists, the second delves into the technical side of scientific illustration, and the third showcases contemporary artists focusing on biodiversity. The display will also highlight the role of taxidermists and the historical importance of scientific illustration in understanding and documenting the natural world.
National Museum of Natural History Hosts Exhibition Showcasing 400-Year History Through Art
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