If you’re looking for a change of pace from the many art museums in Paris, consider visiting the Musée de l’Homme (Museum of Man). This unique museum presents informative exhibits devoted to the development and evolution of mankind, offering a fascinating and unexpected experience that is well worth your time.
Location and Architecture
The Musée de l’Homme is housed in the impressive Neoclassical Palais de Chaillot, which was built for the International Exposition of Art and Technology in 1937. The palace stands on the site of the former Palais de Trocadéro from the 1878 World’s Fair and is a prominent feature of Paris’ architectural landscape.
The multi-level structure consists of two large, curving wings that flank an open terrace overlooking the Trocadéro Gardens. From this vantage point, visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of the Eiffel Tower.
Museum Collection and Exhibits
The museum’s collection, which has its roots in the city’s 19th-century ethnology and anthropological museums, offers insight into the evolution, dispersal, language, cultural practices, innovations, and globalization of humans, as well as their impact on the environment. The items on display aim to answer the questions “Who are we?”, “Where do we come from?”, and “Where are we headed?”.
Prehistoric and Modern Artifacts
The exhibits feature a wide range of artifacts, including:
- Prehistoric tools
- Aboriginal totems and ritual items
- Anatomical models
- Ethnographical portraits
- Skeletal remains
- Artificial limbs
Some of the specific items in the collection include:
- Skulls and reconstructed skeletons of prehistoric and modern primates, such as Lucy (Australopithecus afarensis), the Old Man of la Chapelle-aux Saints (Homo neanderthalensis), and 17th-century French philosopher René Descartes
- Colorful over-modeled human skulls and masks
- An ancient Chachapoya mummy from Peru
- A ca. 330-B.C. mummified child from Egypt
- 19th-century fetal skeletons of conjoined twins
Cultural and Spiritual Objects
The Musée de l’Homme also showcases a variety of cultural and spiritual objects from around the world, such as:
- A 20th-century Makonde Amwalindembo body mask and carved statue of ancestral spirit Nggwal
- The Paleolithic Venus of Lespugue carved from mammoth ivory
- The Neolithic Mother Goddess ‘de la Vallette’
- A 17th-century Japanese Amitabha statue
- 19th-century African divination statuettes
- A reconstructed Day of the Dead altar
- 18th-century French tarot cards
- A 20th-century mirrored talismanic shirt from Senegal
- Eastern European carnival masks and kuker costume
Ethnographic Portraits and Busts
One of the museum’s most impressive collections is its vast array of ethnographic portraits and busts, including:
- Jack – Jean-Pierre Dantan, 1836
- Mauresque Noir – Charles Cordier (two versions)
- Saïd Abdallah – Charles Cordier, 19th century
These portraits provide a fascinating glimpse into the diversity of human cultures and the way they have been represented in art over time.
Medical and Scientific Exhibits
The Musée de l’Homme also features exhibits related to medical and scientific advancements, including:
- Human anatomical models made from wax, depicting an old man’s head, a male head and neck, and hands
- Modern medical devices and artificial limbs
- A 20th-century Chinese acupuncture mannequin and 19th-century medicine cabinet
Natural History and Environment
Visitors can explore the relationship between humans and the natural world through various exhibits, such as:
- Flint tools and hunting weapons, including a decorated spear thrower and harpoon points
- An interesting collection of taxidermy mounts, featuring an African fruit bat, a white fox, and a wolf
- A reconstructed prehistoric mammoth butchery site
- Displays pertaining to the domestication of nature by humans
Interactive and Multimedia Exhibits
The Musée de l’Homme offers numerous interactive and multimedia exhibits to engage visitors, including:
- Story-telling stations
- The Senegalese ‘Bonne Mere’ Express Bus with video presentation
- A virtual archaeological dig
- A computer simulation that allows you to morph into a Neanderthal
These interactive elements add depth and excitement to the museum experience, making it more accessible and enjoyable for visitors of all ages.
Getting There and Ticket Information
The Musée de l’Homme is located at 17 Place du Trocadéro. To reach the museum, take the Métro Lines 6 or 9 to the Trocadéro station and exit at Avenue Paul Doumer-Musée de l’Homme.
Admission prices are as follows:
- Adult Admission (Permanent Exhibition): €10.00
- Adult Admission (Permanent + Temporary Exhibitions): €12.00
Other Attractions in the Palais de Chaillot
Along With the Musée de l’Homme, the Palais de Chaillot is home to several other notable attractions:
- The Museum of Architecture and Monuments
- The National Maritime Museum
- The Chaillot National Dance Theater
These additional attractions make the Palais de Chaillot a worthwhile destination for visitors with varied interests.
The Musée de l’Homme is a unique and thought-provoking museum that offers a fresh perspective on the history and evolution of mankind. Its diverse collection of artifacts, interactive exhibits, and stunning location within the Palais de Chaillot make it a must-see for anyone looking to explore beyond the typical art museums in Paris. Whether you’re interested in anthropology, cultural history, or simply seeking a new and engaging experience, the Musée de l’Homme is sure to leave a lasting impression.
