RĂ©union Museum of Natural History
RĂ©union
The Réunion Museum of Natural History, established in 1855, is the oldest museum on the island of Réunion and is located in the heart of Saint-Denis within the Jardin de l'État. Housed in a neoclassical building that once served as the colonial council, the museum holds an extensive collection of fauna, minerals, and rocks from the Indian Ocean region. It is renowned for its rich and diverse specimens, including rare and extinct species from the western Indian Ocean islands. The museum has evolved from a modest collection in the mid-19th century to over half a million catalogued items today, reflecting the natural heritage of the island and its surroundings. It also hosts temporary exhibitions and offers guided tours by reservation. The building itself is classified as a historic monument, adding architectural interest to the visit. The museum plays an important role in educating visitors about the unique flora and fauna of the region, making it a must-see cultural and scientific institution on Réunion Island.
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Consiglio: The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and closed on May 1st. It is advisable to book guided tours in advance to enhance your visit. The museum is centrally located in Saint-Denis and accessible by public transport, with nearby parking available. Visiting during weekdays may offer a quieter experience. Discounts may be available for students and groups; check locally before your visit.
Fatti interessanti
- •The museum is the oldest natural history museum in the Indian Ocean region, inaugurated in 1855.
- •The building is a neoclassical former colonial council palace and is classified as a historic monument since 1978.
- •The museum's collections include rare specimens such as a male Eclectus parrot and Ward's parakeet, an extinct species from the Seychelles with only 13 specimens worldwide.
- •It holds over 560,000 catalogued items, two-thirds originating from the western Indian Ocean islands.
- •The museum has participated in several international exhibitions, winning gold and silver medals for its displays.
Storia
The building that houses the museum was constructed in 1834 and originally served as the colonial council until 1848.
The museum was officially created by a decree signed by Governor Louis Henri Hubert-Delisle in 1854 and inaugurated in 1855.
Initially, the museum had no collections and began acquiring specimens through purchases and donations from local collectors and officials.
Its collections expanded rapidly through expeditions to Madagascar, Seychelles, and the French Southern and Antarctic Lands.
The museum suffered damage and closures due to cyclones in 1945 and 1948 and a ceiling collapse in 1955.
Despite these setbacks, it has grown to house over 560,000 specimens, making it a major repository of natural history in the Indian Ocean region.
Guida del luogo
Permanent Collections
Extensive exhibits featuring the fauna, minerals, and rocks of the Indian Ocean islands, highlighting both past and present biodiversity unique to the region.
Historic Neoclassical Building1834
The museum is housed in the former Palais LĂ©gislatif, a neoclassical building constructed in 1834, classified as a historic monument, offering architectural interest alongside the natural history exhibits.
Contatto
Telefono: 0262 20 02 19
