Jardin des Plantes

Research Status: Moderate Last Updated: 2026-02-10 Diary Coverage: Paris years

Overview

The Jardin des Plantes is the main botanical garden in Paris, located on the Left Bank (5th arrondissement) along the Seine. Founded in 1626 as the royal garden of medicinal plants, by Marie Bashkirtseff's time it had become a major scientific institution and public park. It housed the Museum national d'Histoire naturelle, a zoo (Menagerie), and extensive botanical collections.

Historical Context

The Institution

• Founded: 1626 as the Jardin du Roi (King's Garden)
• Transformed: During the Revolution, reorganized as the Museum d'Histoire Naturelle (1793)
• Scientific role: Center of natural history research, with distinguished scientists (Buffon, Cuvier, Lamarck)
• The Menagerie: One of the world's oldest public zoos, established 1794
• The galleries: Natural history displays, mineralogy, paleontology

In Marie's Era

The Jardin des Plantes in the 1870s-1880s offered:

• Botanical gardens with extensive plant collections
• The Menagerie with exotic animals
• Natural history galleries and museums
• Public promenades among the gardens
• Scientific lectures and exhibitions

Significance for Marie

• Cultural institution: Part of the intellectual landscape of Paris
• Artistic inspiration: Gardens and natural specimens as subjects
• Public promenade: A place for walking and reflection on the Left Bank
• Scientific world: Connection to the broader intellectual life Marie valued

Related Entries

• #Paris - The city
• #Jardin_dAcclimatation - Another Parisian garden
• #Bois_de_Boulogne - Another major green space