Mummy collection
By the quantity and chronological and geographical diversity of its specimens, the mummy collection of the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle brings together one of the four most important series of this type in the world.
Attention
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Our collection databases remain available for consultation.
Natural History Collections
- The Museum’s collections portal is once again accessible. Last updated: 01/04/2026
Documentary Collections
- Catalogue of archives, manuscripts, iconographic documents, works of art and Calames collection items
- Printed Works Catalogue
For any requests regarding access to the MNHN’s collections (loans, sampling, images, visits), please refer to the procedure outlined on the page for the collection relevant to your request.
It is composed of 63 complete mummies, of which 33 Egyptian, 23 South-American and 7 of other origins, as well as 52 isolated mummy heads from Egypt and South America, and other body parts.
History
In the 18th century, mummies and mummy parts were isolated curiosities that were collected for the Jardin du Roi (now the Jardin des Plantes). This was the case, for instance, with the "green hand" from Méry-sur-Oise and the child’s body, presumably Gallo-Roman, from Martres-d’Artières. After the French Revolution, the creation of the MNHN led to more systematic collections that were enriched by numerous donors, including Mariette for Egypt.
The mummies are stored in a climate-controlled space. For reasons of conservation and ethics, they are rarely displayed in public.