The Jardin des Plantes turns 400: a free weekend of trails, workshops and guided tours
This weekend brings a rare opportunity for Parisian families: a chance to explore one of the capital’s most fascinating sites completely free of charge, with sculptures, treasure hunts and historical walks all on the agenda. On 19 and 20 September 2026, the Jardin des Plantes and the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle are throwing open their doors for the European Heritage Days, with a programme designed for every age group.
Animal sculptures at the heart of the central library
One of the weekend’s most original offerings takes place at the Muséum’s Bibliothèque centrale. An exhibition brings together the work of sculptor Patrice Alexandre and that of François Pompon, a towering figure in animal sculpture whose pieces are held in the Muséum’s collections. Alexandre has had a deep connection with this place since 1989, when he installed his work Hommage à Saint-John Perse on the slopes of the Grand Labyrinthe. For this 2026 edition, he returns with a series of terracotta sculptures inspired by Pompon’s bestiary.
Hippopotamus, eagle owl, rabbits, bear, elephant: the animals shaped by Alexandre answer Pompon’s pared-back silhouettes, creating a sensitive dialogue between Art Deco and contemporary creation. The exhibition is free and requires no booking, running both days from 2pm to 7pm.
Alongside the exhibition, a clay modelling workshop invites participants to sculpt their own animal inspired by the two artists’ forms. Lasting 3 hours, the workshop is open to all audiences aged 10 and over. It runs on both Saturday and Sunday from 2pm to 5pm, is free but requires prior registration. Places are limited to 10 people maximum, and bookings open on 2 September via Eventbrite.
The Jardin des Plantes marks its 400th anniversary with digital treasure hunts
Outside, the Jardin des Plantes transforms into an adventure playground thanks to two digital trails accessible via the Baludik app. The first, titled “The strange disappearance of the botanist”, draws participants into an investigation: a Muséum botanist has vanished without a trace, and it’s up to you to solve the mystery as you make your way through the garden. This treasure hunt is available from age 6, for families or groups, and runs entirely independently via smartphone. It is free and accessible during the garden’s opening hours, from 8am to 7pm on both days.
The second digital trail, “Apprentice sculptors at the Jardin des Plantes”, ties in with the garden’s 400th anniversary. The fictional professor Monsieur Poupom tasks participants with creating a new sculpture for the garden. To do so, they must track down existing works and complete a series of playful missions. This trail is also available from age 6, free of charge, and runs from 8am to 6pm on both days.
- Patrice Alexandre / François Pompon exhibition: free, no booking required, 2pm-7pm
- Modelling workshop: free, registration from 2 September, 10 places, 2pm-5pm
- Treasure hunt “The strange disappearance of the botanist”: free, ages 6+, 8am-7pm
- Treasure hunt “Apprentice sculptors”: free, ages 6+, 8am-6pm
- Literary and historical walk: free, adults, on-the-day registration, 11am-12.30pm
- Family visit “The tree that travels back in time”: free, ages 6+, on-the-day registration, 11am-12pm
Guided tours to immerse yourself in the garden’s history
For those who prefer a more narrative approach, two guided tours are offered each morning at 11am, meeting at the entrance to the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution. The first, a literary and historical walk, traces the history of the Jardin des Plantes across more than four centuries. It draws on extracts from the visitor’s guide published in 1804 by Jean-Baptiste Pujoulx, which reveals, among other things, that the garden once went by different names and was situated in what was then a faubourg on the outskirts of Paris. This tour is for adults only and runs until 12.30pm.
The second tour, designed especially for children, is called “The tree that travels back in time”. Accompanied by a science educator and armed with an activity booklet, participants set off in search of the garden’s oldest tree. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour ends at 12pm. Both tours are free, with no advance booking required, subject to availability.
This packed programme makes the Jardin des Plantes one of the unmissable highlights of this heritage weekend in Paris. Whether you’re passionate about sculpture, a botany enthusiast or simply curious, every member of the family will find something to suit them, and all without spending a single cent.
