Deyrolle

Deyrolle is a historic Parisian institution specializing in natural sciences, entomology, and taxidermy. The house was founded in 1831 by Jean-Baptiste Deyrolle on the Rue du Bac, in a building originally constructed in the late 17th century and later remodeled. Since then, the shop has become one of the best-known addresses in the city for natural history collections. The history of the place has been shaped by a succession of owners, including the painter Richard Marolle and later the businessman Louis Albert de Broglie, who acquired and restored the business in the early 2000s. A severe setback was the fire in February 2008, which destroyed large parts of the premises and valuable collections such as mounted zebras, alligators, and butterflies. Despite the devastation, the building was quickly cleaned up and reopened, with numerous artists helping with the rescue and redesign.

Today, Deyrolle presents itself as a shop open to the public and a cabinet of curiosities whose aim is to showcase the beauty of nature. In the entomology department, you can admire colorful butterflies, beetles, and other insects in special drawers and watch as experts prepare the specimens. The taxidermy section displays birds, mammals, and other animals from around the world. A distinctive feature is the house's ethical stance: most of the animals on display come from zoos or parks, where they died of natural causes, and are handled in accordance with international conservation agreements. Alongside the biological exhibits, Deyrolle also offers a rich selection of mineral collections, fossils, and seashells.

Another important aspect of the institution is its educational tradition. Deyrolle's colorful wall charts have been well known since the second half of the 19th century, originally serving to illustrate school lessons in biology, geography, and other subjects. These teaching materials, known as the "Musée scolaire Deyrolle," combine visual clarity with scientific accuracy. More recently, this tradition has been continued with new charts on current topics such as sustainability, climate change, and endangered species. The place attracts not only nature lovers but also artists and creative professionals, who appreciate the unusual atmosphere of the cabinet of curiosities and stage exhibitions or creative projects here.