• GALLERY OF EVOLUTION: 36 rue Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire (5th). M Jussieu.o Daily: 10am- 6pm, except Tues, 1 Jan, 1 May and 25 Dec. Full rate: €10. Gallery of Evolution + temporary exhibition/full rate: €12. • LA MÉNAGERIE, THE ZOO OF THE JARDIN DES PLANTES: Daily: 9am-6pm (summer; 6.30pm Sun and public holidays), 9am-5pm (winter). Full rate: €13. • CHILDREN’S GALLERY, GALLERY OF MINERALOGY AND GEOLOGY, GALLERY OF PALAEONTOLOGY AND COMPARATIVE ANATOMY, GRANDES SERRES and BOTANICAL GALLERY: days and opening times Muséum vary, contact the venue for information. National around Muséum d’Histoire Naturel le d’Histoire Naturelle Set aside at least a half-day for the Natu- 13Institut du Monde Arabe ral History Museum. On the site of the first Behind its glass and steel facade where public Parisian park (1640), walkers and sunlight causes the moucharaby to open joggers take advantage of the green spaces and close, come and admire the fascinating in the Jardin des Plantes, amidst hundred- exhibitions of the Institut du Monde Arabe. year-old trees. The site includes three gal- The building, designed by Jean Nouvel and leries,each with a specific focus. In the Architecte Studio, is a wonderful showcase Botanical Gallery, discover collections of for the diversity and wealth of the Arab- plant and fruit species brought back from Islamic civilization, from its origins to the numerous expeditions. Children are sure to present day. For one of the most beautiful be in awe of the skeletons of dinosaurs and views of the capital, visit the 9th floor ter- mammoths in the Gallery of Palaeontology race of the building with its panoramic vis- and Comparative Anatomy. Precious stones tas. The museum also has a rich and diverse once belonging to the royal collections, cultural programme with shows, concerts minerals and giant crystals are housed in and debates. the Gallery of Mineralogy and Geology. 1 rue des Fossés Saint-Bernard (5th). Stop by the Ménagerie (a zoo) where you M Jussieu.o 01 40 51 38 38. can observe 200 species of animals rang- Daily, except Mon and 1 May. Tues to Fri: 10am- ing from red pandas and snow leopards to 6pm. Sat, Sun and public holidays: 10am-7pm. turtles and axolotls. After the fauna, lush Permanent collections/full rate: €8. flora can be admired in the Grandes Serres Temporary exhibitions/full rate: €12. (glasshouses). No visit is complete without a www.imarabe.org trip to the spectacular Gallery of Evolution where stuffed marine mammals and large land mammals (elephants, giraffes, zebras, etc.) can be seen. The Children’s Gallery is for 6 to 12 year-olds. Place Valhubert (5th). M Gare d’Austerlitz.o 01 40 79 54 79/56 01. www.mnhn.fr • JARDIN DES PLANTES: Daily: 7.30am-7.45pm (summer), 8am-5.15pm (winter). Free. www.jardindesplantesdeparis.fr 34 THE LEFT BANK