Pierre Méchain discovered M95, together with M96, March 20, 1781. Consequently, Charles Messier included it in his catalog on March 24, 1781.

M95 is a member of the Leo I or M96 group, which also contains M96, M105 and a number of fainter galaxies.

M95 is a barred spiral of type SBb, with nearly circular arms. Its overall appearance is quite similar to M91 except that M95 has more pronounced spiral structure.

Under dark skies using 8" telescope, M95 appears as bright cloud, with bright core and ring around it. Galaxy is sensitive to light pollution.