projet de rénovation de la galerie des reptiles au mnhn

Rehabilitation of the Reptile Gallery
National Museum of Natural History

Built in 1874, the Reptile Pavilion of the Jardin des Plantes menagerie, part of the Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle (Paris, 5th arrondissement), was awarded historic monument status on March 24, 1993. This status includes the buildings, walls and gardens of the Jardin des Plantes. The deterioration of the building and its zoological furnishings led to its closure in January 2019. The Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle intends to restore the building, highlighting its heritage and offering a new, innovative zoological mediation trail, while improving the building's energy performance. Landscape Consulting, with its zootechnical experts, is supporting this unique heritage restoration project.

facade of the reptile gallery at the natural history museum in Paris

new terrarium for the natural history museum

Landscaper - Animal habitat designer

Landscape Consulting is an experienced landscape architecture firm with distinctive, in-depth expertise in vivarium and zoo design. For 10 years now, we've been creating interior landscape environments, integrating natural elements and designing spaces that mimic the living conditions of plants and animals.

The agency demonstrates an in-depth understanding of natural ecosystems and how to reproduce them authentically inside vivariums, taking into account the specific needs of different species. Just like ecosystems, we work in partnership with the world's leading zootechnical experts to ensure animal and plant well-being, as well as complete immersion of the animal presentation.

The agency stands out for its innovative and creative spirit, constantly seeking innovative solutions to offer unique and aesthetically appealing vivariums.

Landscape Consulting has the ability to collaborate effectively with other professionals such as biologists, zoologists, and engineers, ensuring a holistic approach to vivarium design.

By combining these skills, we were able to create these exceptional vivariums for the Natural History Museum in Paris, offering immersive and educational experiences while respecting the ecological needs of the different species that inhabit them.

vivarium with dry vegetation at the natural history museum

vivarium with mangrove to present the mangrove

Tailor-made zoo designs

How does our landscape team design these animal spaces?

Fine, natural scenery

The design of the vivariums incorporates an earthen substrate with a meticulous finish including sand, mini-pebbles and gravel to recreate a natural environment suited to the needs of the reptiles.

Natural riprap was integrated to reproduce rocky areas and create diversified spaces within the vivariums.

Plants - Liana, driftwood, branches, etc. The presence of plants such as lianas, driftwood, branches, etc., helps to provide a realistic and stimulating habitat for reptiles, recreating their natural environment as closely as possible.

Combined with unique technical expertise

The agency imagined vivariums equipped with PVC tanks specially designed to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals.

They also feature a sophisticated drainage system, including clay balls and geotextile, to ensure efficient water management and prevent waterlogging.

Substrate suitable for planting has been used to encourage plant growth and create a favourable environment.

Controlled water management, low-impact lighting

A pump feeds a closed-circuit fountain, creating a dynamic and stimulating water source within the vivariums.

A misting network is carefully set up to maintain the humidity required by certain species, reproducing the specific climatic conditions of their natural environment.

A fine rain irrigation system was installed to mimic natural precipitation, meeting the precise water requirements of the plants and animals residing in the vivariums.

LED floodlights are judiciously used to provide optimum lighting, faithfully reproducing natural day and night light cycles.

Specific fluorescent tubes are used to create light zones adapted to the specific needs of reptiles and plants.

Heater lamps are integrated to maintain adequate thermal zones, essential to the well-being of cold-blooded reptiles.

An automated solenoid valve ensures continuous water filling, guaranteeing constant water levels within the vivariums.

A drain valve in the terrarium evacuates any excess water, ensuring optimal water balance.

A drain valve is also installed in the pond to evacuate excess water, helping to maintain an appropriate water balance within the reptile environment.

This construction work cleverly combines aesthetic and technical elements to create vivariums adapted to the specific needs of reptiles, while providing an immersive experience for visitors to the reptile gallery at the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle in Paris.