MOBE - Muséum d'Orléans pour la Biodiversité et l'Environnement
About This Museum
The MOBE isn't your grandfather's natural history museum. Housed in a beautifully repurposed 19th-century former dance hall, it feels more like a walk through a living ecosystem than a static collection. You're immediately greeted by the gentle sounds of a water feature and the sight of a towering, suspended whale skeleton, setting a tone that is both serene and awe-inspiring. It masterfully weaves together the natural heritage of the Loire region with urgent global environmental questions, making the vast topic of biodiversity feel intimate and immediate.
Collection Highlights
Don't miss the 'Salle de la Baleine,' where you can stand beneath the immense skeleton of a fin whale. The 'Cabinet de Curiosités' is another stunner—a modern recreation packed with everything from shimmering minerals to exotic insects. For a local focus, the exhibits on the Loire River's fragile ecosystem are brilliantly presented, complete with live fish and interactive displays that explain the challenges this iconic waterway faces.
Visitor Information
Tucked away at 6 Rue Marcel Proust, it's a fantastic spot for a thoughtful afternoon, whether you're with kids or just looking for some quiet inspiration. The layout is intuitive, leading you on a natural flow from one discovery to the next without ever feeling rushed.
Architecture & Building
The building itself is a fascinating blend of old and new, retaining the elegant, high-ceilinged bones of its original 19th-century structure while incorporating clean, modern glass and steel additions that flood the space with light.
Contact & Location
Address: 6, Rue Marcel Proust, Parking Place du Martroi, Cité Emile Zola, Orléans, Loiret, Centre-Val de Loire, France métropolitaine, 45000, France
Phone: +33 2 38 54 61 05
Website: Visit Website
