It is a well-hidden treasure, forbidden to the general public and hidden several meters under the esplanade of the great Gallery of Evolution of the Jardin des Plantes in Paris.
In an underground reserve of 6000 m2, on three levels, the Natural History Museum protects and preserves no less than 68 million specimens of all kinds (mammals, birds, reptiles, etc.) stuffed or protected in jars filled with alcohol.
A precious collection for scientists, the only ones authorized to enter these places for their research, and invaluable for our humanity.
Some extinct species, such as the famous dodo, the Dronte de Maurice, which became extinct at the end of the 17th century, are preserved there.
The Museum also holds one of the three largest naturalist collections in the world (with the Washington DC Museum and the London Museum).
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But the specimens are now cramped. And the presence underground of nearly 200 m3 of alcohol, a flammable liquid, also poses security questions. "We want to anticipate a possible ban on keeping them in intramural Paris," explains Bruno David, president of the Museum. “Above all, we will run out of space, because these collections are intended to be constantly enriched, through explorations of the museum, the donations, the bequests made to us. After a while, it no longer holds ”.
A project to relocate part of the collection has therefore been launched, carried out by 2027. For the moment, the Museum is looking for the ideal candidate.
“We have launched a Call for Expressions of Interest (AMI) aimed at local communities, continues Bruno David.
We will see the proposals.
We need at least 20,000 m2 of surface, and preferably less than three hours from Paris ”.
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