Pasteur Museum, Paris

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Scientific fields: Microbiology, Bacteriology, Biochemistry, Immunology (microorganisms, bacteria and bacterial diseases, chemistry of living organisms, vaccines)       

Star rating: ***

Summary description:
Founded in 1936, this museum depicts the life and work of the great French microbiologist Louis Pasteur. It contains a comprehensive collection of instruments, such as vials, flasks, microscopes and polarimeters, used by Pasteur and his team, together with many of his original notes, giving a vivid picture of his laboratory work. Other rooms contain his numerous awards in a re-creation of the vast apartment he occupied during the last 7 years of his life (1888 to 1895), and his ornate Byzantine funeral chapel.

Location:
The Pasteur Museum is located on the south side of Pasteur Institute, at 25 Rue du Docteur Roux in the southwest area of central Paris, within the 15th arrondissement. The Institute is situated some 200m from the intersection of Rue du Docteur Roux with Boulevard Pasteur.

Getting there:
The nearest metro stations are Pasteur (lines 6 and 12) or Volontaires (line 12). The Pasteur Institute is a few minutes walk from either of these. Buses 95, 88, and 70 also pass close by the Pasteur Institute.

Background:
Louis Pasteur (1822-1895) is justifiably called the father of microbiology for his work on establishing the germ theory of disease, pasteurisation and developing vaccines for anthrax and rabies. He also made major contributions to early biochemistry, including elucidation of the fermentation processes involved in making beer and wine. He was one of the first non-medically qualified scientists to make a contribution to medicine and a seminal figure in the professionalisation of science. His focus on raising funds, publicising his findings and developing a team of co-workers set a pattern followed by experimental scientists to this day.

Opening hours and charges:
The museum is open Monday to Friday 2 pm to 5.30 pm, except on public holidays. Closed in August. Some form of identity is necessary for entry. Visits are guided but require no reservation except for large groups (10 persons or more). Museum telephone: 01 45 68 82 83. Conservateur: Annick Perrot - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . The charge for individual visits is adults 3 €, students 1.5 €. For groups the charges are adults 5 €, school students 2.5 €.

Website: http://www.pasteur.fr/ip/easysite/go/03b-00000j-0fn/institut-pasteur/musees

Related sites:
Alexander Fleming Laboratory Museum, Paddington, London, England
Edward Jenner Museum, Gloucestershire, England
Koch Museum, Berlin, Germany