Natural History Museum Le Havre - Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
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Natural History Museum Le Havre

4.3
·590 reviews·Le Havre, France

A charming, small museum in Le Havre featuring rotating temporary exhibits on natural history, perfect for families and budget travelers.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, ideal for kids

CrowdLow
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Natural History Museum Le Havre - Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Natural History Museum Le Havre

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, ideal for kids

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming, small museum in Le Havre featuring rotating temporary exhibits on natural history, perfect for families and budget travelers.

4.3
(590 reviews)

"A cute museum for a rainy day, good option for families with little kids."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Check Exhibit Schedule

Crucial to see what's on display before you go! #LeHavre #MuseumTips

🗣️ English Booklet Available

Ask for the English booklet to understand exhibits fully. #TravelHack #LeHavre

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Temporary Exhibitions

Temporary Exhibitions

Discover unique, rotating displays on diverse natural history themes. Always check what's on!

Reddit
Live Bees Exhibit

Live Bees Exhibit

Upstairs

Fascinating live bee observation area, a hit with kids and adults alike.

Reddit
Children's Activities

Children's Activities

Designated rooms

Interactive stations like 'fishing' and map activities make learning fun for little ones.

Reddit
Sabine Bernert Photography

Sabine Bernert Photography

Stunning photographic displays that often feature in current exhibits.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Check Current Exhibits

This museum focuses on rotating temporary exhibits. Always check their website before visiting to ensure the current display matches your interests, as the collection can vary significantly. Reddit

Language & Accessibility

Descriptions are primarily in French, but English booklets are available. Consider using a translation app for a smoother experience. Reddit It's a small museum, ideal for a shorter visit, especially with young children. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, ideal for kids
Crowd
Low
When
Rainy days
Why
Perfect indoor escape
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Planning a trip to the Natural History Museum

🎯 Check Exhibit Schedule

Crucial to see what's on display before you go! Reddit #LeHavre #MuseumTips

🗣️ English Booklet Available

Ask for the English booklet to understand exhibits fully. Reddit #TravelHack #LeHavre

reddit.com

I will be in Paris next week. Should i prebook National Museum of Natural History & Louvre Museums or it is not necessary?

📱 Use Translation App

Descriptions are in French; a translation app is very helpful. Reddit #LeHavreMuseum

⏳ Quick Visit Recommended

It's a small museum, perfect for a 20-30 minute visit. Reddit #ShortTrip

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check Exhibit Schedule

Crucial to see what's on display before you go! Reddit #LeHavre #MuseumTips

🗣️ English Booklet Available

Ask for the English booklet to understand exhibits fully. Reddit #TravelHack #LeHavre

📱 Use Translation App

Descriptions are in French; a translation app is very helpful. Reddit #LeHavreMuseum

⏳ Quick Visit Recommended

It's a small museum, perfect for a 20-30 minute visit. Reddit #ShortTrip

💰 Affordable Entry

At 5€, it's a budget-friendly option for a quick cultural stop. Reddit #BudgetTravel

What Travellers Say

4.3
(590 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Natural History Museum Le Havre to be a charming, affordable spot, particularly good for families with young children due to its interactive elements and live bee exhibit. While small and focused on temporary displays, it offers a pleasant way to spend a short amount of time, though checking the current exhibition is crucial to avoid disappointment. Reddit

"A cute museum for a rainy day. Good option for families with little kids. All in French but they give you a booklet with the English version."

Do Laroo

"We had a great time at this beautiful museum with our three kids (aged 6, 5 and 3). I personally loved the photos by Sabine Bernert. Really nice materials for children in every room and live bees upstairs. A great experience."

Hadassa Lok

"While staffed with very kind and helpful personnel, and in possession of interesting holdings, this is a very small museum. So tiny, in fact, that, as I understand it, instead of reserving part of their premises for their fixed collection and setting aside another for temporary exhibits, the museum only works on rotating temporary exhibits (personally, I think their two-story circular room could've been reserved for a small permanent exhibit). When planning your visit, it's therefore important to check what's currently on display, so that you don't get disappointed by a lack of that which you came there for (as we were).

Moreover, the museum doesn't seem to strictly restrict itself of items of natural historical interest, encompassing, for example, many more historical documents and paintings as well as ethnographic artefacts then biological, geological or palaeontological specimens in their Australian exhibit - which was what turned out to be on display when we visited. This is a pity, as while we were expecting a museum of natural history (in which the region, moreover, is so rich), we actually ended up visiting a historical museum that not only described the (history of the) description of Australia's plant and animal life, but also the discovery of Australia itself. The only redeeming part of the exhibit, as far as our four-year-old son was concerned, was a single room which contained some basic educational activities for children - such as fishing fish from the sea in a model boat, pinpointing places on a world map, and completing the outline of Australia.

All in all, we did spend some time here, but I think neither me nor my son were too enthusiastic about the experience - and this while from the website it seems the museum has a lot more to offer than we got to experience."

Alexander Melchers

What People Like

Affordable entry fee
Live bee exhibit
Kid-friendly activities

What People Dislike

Small size
Temporary exhibits only
French descriptions

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is centrally located in Le Havre. If arriving by car, parking options are available nearby. For those coming from further afield, public transport within Le Havre, such as buses or trams, can be used to reach the museum. Reddit suggests considering train travel for part of the journey if coming from a distance. Reddit

Yes, there are usually parking facilities or street parking available in the vicinity of the museum. It's advisable to check local parking regulations upon arrival. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Opening hours can vary, especially with temporary exhibits. It's best to check the official Natural History Museum Le Havre website for the most up-to-date information on opening times and days. Reddit

Admission is typically around 5€, making it a very affordable option for visitors. Reddit Always confirm current pricing on their official website. Reddit

For a small museum like this, advance booking is usually not required, especially during off-peak times. However, for special events or during peak tourist seasons, it might be a good idea to check their policy. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Yes, it's considered a good option for families with young children, featuring interactive activities and a live bee exhibit. Reddit The museum provides materials for children in every room. Reddit

The museum specializes in rotating temporary exhibits. These can cover a wide range of natural history topics, sometimes including historical documents and paintings alongside biological specimens. Reddit It's essential to check the current exhibition. Reddit

No, it's described as a very small or tiny museum, often suitable for a visit of about 20-30 minutes. Reddit It operates on rotating temporary exhibits rather than a fixed collection. Reddit

The primary descriptions are in French, but the museum provides an English booklet to help visitors understand the exhibits. Reddit Using a translation app is also recommended. Reddit

Located upstairs, this exhibit allows visitors to observe live bees in their habitat, which is a popular and engaging feature for all ages. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies can vary. It's generally advisable to check for any signage or ask museum staff if photography is permitted, especially for temporary exhibits. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

This museum is a great choice for families looking for a short, engaging activity. The live bee exhibit is a definite highlight, and the interactive children's activities in various rooms ensure little ones stay entertained. Reddit While descriptions are in French, the museum provides English booklets, and the hands-on nature of some exhibits transcends language barriers. Reddit Plan for a visit of about 20-30 minutes, making it perfect for younger attention spans. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

With an admission fee of just 5€, the Natural History Museum Le Havre is an incredibly affordable cultural stop. Reddit It offers a unique experience focused on temporary exhibits, so you're always seeing something new. Reddit It's an ideal option for a quick visit on a rainy day or when you want a dose of local culture without a significant financial outlay. Reddit

📚 Curious Learners

For those interested in a diverse range of topics, the museum's rotating temporary exhibits offer a chance to explore different facets of natural history and beyond. Reddit While it's a small space, the curated displays can be quite informative. Remember to utilize the English booklet or a translation app to fully appreciate the content, as descriptions are primarily in French. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding the Exhibits

The Natural History Museum in Le Havre is unique in its focus on temporary exhibitions. Unlike many museums with permanent collections, this institution curates a series of themed displays that change periodically. This means that what you see during one visit might be entirely different from your next. Visitors are strongly advised to check the museum's official website or social media channels to understand the current exhibition's theme and content before planning their trip. Reddit This approach ensures a fresh experience for repeat visitors but also means disappointment can arise if you expect to see specific items that are not currently on display. Reddit

Reviews indicate that exhibits can sometimes extend beyond traditional natural history, incorporating historical documents, paintings, and ethnographic artifacts, as seen in an Australian exhibit that covered the discovery of Australia alongside its flora and fauna. Reddit While this broadens the scope, it might not align with expectations for a purely biological or geological focus. The museum does, however, often include engaging materials for children within these exhibits, making it a good stop for families. Reddit

Family-Friendly Features

The Natural History Museum Le Havre is often highlighted as a good option for families with young children. Reddit The museum strives to make its displays accessible and engaging for younger visitors. This includes providing materials for children in every room, such as interactive stations. Reddit

A particularly popular feature is the live bee exhibit, located upstairs, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of bees. Reddit Additionally, specific activity areas, like those described in an Australian exhibit, featured elements such as 'fishing' fish from a model boat and completing map outlines, which are designed to be both fun and educational. Reddit These elements contribute to making the museum a worthwhile, albeit brief, experience for families looking for a quick indoor activity. Reddit

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