Gallery of Mineralogy and Geology

The Gallery of Mineralogy and Geology holds an immense, vaulted hall filled with glowing quartz crystals and massive, polished gemstones. It belongs to the Jardin des Plantes, where researchers once focused on classifying the natural world. In eighteen sixty-four, Emperor Napoleon the Third ordered this specific building constructed to house the royal mineral collection. He wanted a dedicated space for these specimens. The floor is still lined with the original dark wooden cabinets that curator Alfred Lacroix used to display his radioactive mineral finds.