First, you have to walk through the botanical garden, then pass by the majestic Museum of Natural History. And finally, discover the greenhouses to finally arrive in front of the Hôtel de Magny.
Because this small hotel from the late 17th century, which was bought by Louis XVI, houses the History Cabinet of the Jardin des Plantes.
After crossing the grand blue doors, we are transported into a timeless atmosphere. Moreover, the first three rooms present us with the garden, its evolution over the centuries.
Then, the last 2 rooms... Another atmosphere, the temperature changes, the light is softer and more intimate.
It is in this showcase that the treasures, rare and precious from the earth, are temporarily exhibited. Crystals of topaz, corindos, elbaite...
And the history of the major milestones in crystallography. One then understands the observations of Pliny the Elder on the rock crystal, the Theories of RJ Haûy on the structure of minerals.
So the crystals are not just vulgar pebbles that came about by chance; they belong to families, to crystal systems.
Indeed, the mineral world is a play of light and colors; the crystals have characteristics of morphology, hardness, and brilliance…
Late 19th and early 20th centuries by mineralogists and chemists
(like Fremy, Verneuil or Moissant) imitate nature by synthesizing minerals.
And maybe more fun, we are also shown crystals of salt, sugar… snow.
It’s a small but comprehensive exhibition that can be enjoyed as an aperitif before the upcoming opening of the mineralogy gallery.
To be continued.
From May 14 to August 18, 2014
mnhn.fr
©ejcw
