Exploring the Origins of Life on Earth Millions of Years Ago

Grande Galerie de l’Évolution The Grande Galerie de l’Évolution (Great Gallery of Evolution), part of the French National Museum of Natural History (Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle), is one of the most beloved museums among Parisians — and it’s also quite famous across Europe, drawing large crowds during peak seasons 🌟. It showcases the vibrant natural world of Earth’s diverse ecosystems, from the depths of the oceans 🦈 to terrestrial rainforests 🌿, African savannas, the Sahara Desert 🐫, and even the North and South Poles. Its collection boasts over 7,000 items, including paleontological fossils, extraterrestrial meteorites 🪨, and life-sized specimens of plants and animals (many of which are extinct species). There are countless strange creatures we’ve never heard of or seen, living in corners of the world unknown to us. Spanning land, sea, and air, these different species gather in this enormous exhibition hall. Under the simulated starry sky, they unfold an epic history of Earth’s ecological evolution 🪐. I’d always wondered why this museum is called a "galerie" (gallery, typically associated with art) — and after visiting, it suddenly clicked. The lighting and the exquisite presentation of specimens here are like the windows of a high-end boutique: life on Earth, from ancient times to the present, is brought vividly to life, transcending time and space. Without a doubt, life is the most breathtaking work of art on this planet 🎨. Designed and planned in the late 19th century, the museum still looks delicate and elaborate to this day. 🦒 Main Exhibition Sections Level 0: The Silent Deep Sea Discover how life thrives in the darkness of the deep ocean. The most widely accepted hypothesis about the origin of life suggests it began in the primordial ocean — so everything starts with the sea. Giant squids 🦑 and swarms of deep-sea fish seem to "swim" around you, making it feel as if you’ve truly dived into the quiet, profound underwater world 🌊. The most famous "Noah’s Ark Migration Group": A herd of African savanna wildlife led by elephants 🐘. The exhibition hall even simulates the sound of strong winds on the savanna, the calls of each animal, and the rustle of grass as creatures move through it — creating an immersive experience! The rainforest "team": Tapirs, anteaters, armadillos, pythons 🐍, and more. The chirping of rainforest birds and the rumble of thunder with flashes of lightning during rain ⚡️ enhance the immersive feel. Other ecosystems across different latitudes, extending all the way to the North and South Poles. So, aside from humans, who really is the "strongest creature on Earth"? Upper Floors & Exhibits These sections focus on the evolution of life throughout Earth’s history, displaying various paleontological skeletons, primitive cells, and handwritten manuscripts of evolutionary theories by great scientists (such as Charles Darwin and Gregor Mendel) 📜. There are also specimens of extinct or endangered species, as well as exhibits on the impact of human activities on the environment — every floor is incredibly fascinating! Exploring the entire museum thoroughly takes roughly half a day (it covers over 6,000 square meters). It’s also an excellent spot for families to bring kids for educational fun 🧒. After visiting, you’ll feel both amazed and in awe: humans are truly ordinary in the context of Earth’s billions of years of history. It’s definitely worth a visit — don’t miss it if you’re traveling to Paris! Ticket Price: €10 per person; free for those under 26. Address: 36 rue Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 75005 Paris #Paris #ParisArt #ParisMuseums