Our Boutique & Workshop — The Label Fabriqué à Paris since 2017

Nested on the slopes of the Butte Montmartre at 7 rue Ravignan, Curiositas brings back to life the poetic and mysterious atmosphere of 19th-century cabinets of curiosities. In the courtyard behind our boutique, our workshop is entirely dedicated to the preparation of our butterfly flights, our glass dome compositions, and our entomological frames.

The Art of Entomological Spreading: Giving the Illusion of Life

Spreading is a meticulous craft technique that consists of softening and repositioning the insect to restore all its grace and natural stance.

The creation steps within our Parisian workshop:

Softening: Butterflies reach us dried, with their wings closed. The first step consists of gently re-hydrating them in a humid chamber to restore their full flexibility without altering their colors or weakening the material.

Spreading on a board: Using tweezers, the wings are opened and aligned on a wooden étaloir, then held in position using tracing paper and entomological pins.

Drying: A drying phase lasting from several days to several weeks is necessary to permanently set the insect's posture.

Setting & Inspection: The pins and tracing paper are removed. The insect then retains its spread shape permanently.

Composition & Mounting: Each specimen is mounted on its support (brass rods, driftwood, shells, or minerals) and then showcased under a glass dome, in a frame, or a custom-made entomological box.

Official Recognition by the City of Paris since 2017

Awarded the Fabriqué à Paris label for all its entomological creations, our workshop guarantees 100% Parisian fine craft know-how, in strict compliance with international and environmental regulations (CITES).

- Geolocation: Find our workshop on the City of Paris Official Map of Labeled Manufacturers.

- Press & Media: Selected by Paris City Hall among the capital's iconic addresses in the article "Anges du bizarre: les cabinets de curiosités à Paris".