Naturhistorisches Museum (Museum of Natural History)
- Permanent Exhibitions
- Temporary Exhibitions
- Educational Programs
- Research
- Collections
- Library
- Museum Shop
- Accessibility
- Sustainability
- Social Media
- Events
- Volunteering
- Membership
- Insider Tip
Permanent Exhibitions
The Naturhistorisches Museum Nuremberg boasts an impressive array of permanent exhibitions that showcase the wonders of the natural world. One of the highlights is the dinosaur exhibition, which features a fascinating collection of fossils from various prehistoric periods. Visitors can marvel at the towering skeletons of long-extinct creatures, such as the Brachiosaurus and the Triceratops, and learn about their unique adaptations and behaviors.
Another must-see exhibition is the mineral collection, which displays a stunning variety of minerals from around the globe. Visitors can admire the intricate formations and vibrant colors of these natural treasures, and learn about their geological significance and uses. The museum also features live animal exhibits, where visitors can observe a diverse range of creatures up close, including snakes, lizards, turtles, and frogs. These exhibits provide a glimpse into the fascinating world of reptiles and amphibians, and allow visitors to learn about their biology and conservation status.
Temporary Exhibitions
The Naturhistorisches Museum also hosts rotating temporary exhibitions that explore a wide range of topics related to natural history. These exhibitions typically run for several months and feature specimens, artifacts, and interactive displays. Past exhibitions have delved into the mysteries of the deep sea, the evolution of life on Earth, and the impact of climate change on our planet.
To find out what's currently on display, check the museum's website or social media pages. Some of the most popular temporary exhibitions in recent years have included:
- "The Secret World of Insects" showcased the incredible diversity and importance of insects, from tiny ants to giant beetles.
- "Dinosaurs: A Family Affair" featured skeletons and fossils of dinosaurs from around the world, including a life-size replica of a Tyrannosaurus rex.
- "Climate Change: Our Changing World" explored the science of climate change and its impact on our planet, from melting glaciers to rising sea levels.
Educational Programs
The Naturhistorisches Museum offers a variety of educational programs for school groups and families. These programs are designed to help students learn about the natural world and the importance of conservation. Topics covered in the programs include biodiversity, evolution, and climate change.
School groups can book a guided tour of the museum's exhibits, led by a trained educator. Tours can be tailored to specific grade levels and curriculum standards. The museum also offers workshops, which allow students to get hands-on experience with specimens and artifacts.
Families can participate in family days, which are held on weekends and holidays. Family days feature activities such as scavenger hunts, crafts, and story time. The museum also offers a variety of drop-in programs, which do not require reservations.
To book a tour or workshop, or to find out more about the museum's educational programs, please visit the museum's website or call the education department at (0911) 211 33 5
Research
The Naturhistorisches Museum in Nuremberg is not only a place of public education and entertainment; it is also a center for scientific research. The museum's researchers are involved in a wide range of projects, from studying the evolution of dinosaurs to understanding the impact of climate change on biodiversity. They collaborate with scientists from other institutions around the world, and their work has been published in leading scientific journals.
One of the museum's most important research projects is the Bavarian Biodiversity Monitoring Program. This program is designed to track changes in the distribution and abundance of plant and animal species in Bavaria. The data collected by the program is used to inform conservation and land management decisions.
Another major research project at the museum is the Dinosaur Project. This project is focused on studying the evolution of dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals. The museum's researchers have excavated dinosaur fossils from all over the world, and they have used these fossils to create life-size models of dinosaurs that are on display in the museum's permanent exhibition.
The museum's research is essential for understanding the natural world and the challenges that it faces. By conducting research, the museum helps to inform public policy and conservation efforts, and it inspires the next generation of scientists.
Collections
The Naturhistorisches Museum in Nuremberg boasts an impressive collection of over 5 million specimens and artifacts, making it one of the largest natural history museums in Germany. These collections are divided into various departments, including zoology, botany, geology, mineralogy, and paleontology.
The zoological collection houses a vast array of animal specimens, both living and extinct. Highlights include the African elephant, the giant anteater, and the blue whale skeleton. The botanical collection comprises over 300,000 plant specimens, including a herbarium of over 100,000 sheets.
The geology and mineralogy collections showcase a diverse range of rocks, minerals, and fossils. Among the highlights are the 200-carat "Bavarian Fire" ruby, the world's largest amethyst geode, and a collection of dinosaur fossils, including the fossilized remains of the Plateosaurus.
The museum's extensive collections are used for scientific research and education. Scientists from around the world come to Nuremberg to study the museum's specimens, and the museum's educational programs utilize the collections to teach visitors about biodiversity, evolution, and the history of life on Earth.
Visitors can get a glimpse behind the scenes of the museum's collections by booking a tour of the collection storage areas. These tours provide a unique opportunity to see how the museum's specimens are preserved and cataloged, and to learn more about the research that is being conducted using the collections.
Library
The Naturhistorisches Museum in Nuremberg boasts an impressive library that houses a wealth of knowledge and resources related to natural history. This specialized library is a treasure trove for researchers, students, and anyone interested in delving deeper into the wonders of the natural world.
The collection encompasses a vast array of books, journals, and other publications covering a wide spectrum of topics, including zoology, botany, geology, and paleontology. These resources provide in-depth information on various species, ecosystems, and geological formations, catering to the diverse interests of researchers and enthusiasts alike.
Access to the library is granted to both researchers and the general public, making it an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to expand their knowledge or conduct research in the field of natural history. The library staff is dedicated to assisting visitors in finding the information they need, whether it's for a specific research project or simply to satisfy their curiosity.
For those unable to visit the library in person, the Naturhistorisches Museum offers an interlibrary loan service, allowing researchers to access materials from other institutions. This service facilitates collaboration and knowledge sharing among researchers worldwide, promoting the advancement of natural history research.
Museum Shop
The Naturhistorisches Museum's gift shop is a treasure trove of unique and educational items that are perfect for souvenirs, gifts, or educational purposes. Visitors can find a wide variety of items, including books, toys, games, clothing, and home goods, all related to the museum's exhibits and collections.
The shop also offers a selection of unique items that are only available at the museum, such as replicas of fossils, minerals, and animal specimens. These items are perfect for collectors or anyone who wants a truly special souvenir of their visit.
Proceeds from the museum shop help to support the museum's educational and research programs, so visitors can feel good about knowing that their purchases are helping to support a valuable institution.
Accessibility
The Naturhistorisches Museum is committed to providing a welcoming and accessible environment for all visitors, regardless of their abilities. The museum features wheelchair-accessible ramps and elevators, as well as sign language interpreters and audio guides for the hearing impaired. Braille signage and tactile exhibits are also available for the visually impaired, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy and learn from the museum's collections and exhibits.
Sustainability
The Naturhistorisches Museum is committed to reducing its environmental impact and promoting sustainability. The museum uses renewable energy sources, such as solar and geothermal energy, to power its buildings. It also has recycling and waste reduction programs in place, and it offers educational programs about sustainability to visitors of all ages.
The museum's sustainability efforts have been recognized by several organizations. In 2019, the museum received the Bavarian State Prize for Sustainability. The museum is also a member of the Green Museum Network, a global network of museums that are committed to environmental sustainability.
Visitors to the Naturhistorisches Museum can learn about sustainability in a number of ways. The museum's exhibits on climate change and biodiversity highlight the importance of protecting the environment. The museum also offers educational programs about sustainability, such as workshops on how to reduce waste and live a more sustainable lifestyle.
By reducing its environmental impact and promoting sustainability, the Naturhistorisches Museum is helping to create a more sustainable future for all.
Social Media
The Naturhistorisches Museum is active on various social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. These platforms provide an excellent way to connect with the museum, learn about upcoming events and exhibitions, and get a behind-the-scenes look at the museum's work. The museum's social media accounts often share photos and videos of new exhibits, research projects, and educational programs. They also run contests and giveaways, providing followers with a chance to win prizes such as free admission to the museum or exclusive merchandise.
To stay up-to-date with the museum's latest news and activities, follow them on social media. You can also use social media to ask questions, share your thoughts on exhibits, and connect with other museum enthusiasts. The museum's social media team is always happy to engage with followers and provide more information about the museum and its collections.
Events
The Naturhistorisches Museum hosts a variety of special events and programs throughout the year, catering to visitors of all ages and interests. These events are a great way to learn more about the museum's collections, research, and educational initiatives.
Some of the most popular events include:
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Lectures: The museum regularly hosts lectures by leading experts in the fields of natural history, biodiversity, and conservation. These lectures are open to the public and offer a unique opportunity to learn from the people who are shaping our understanding of the natural world.
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Workshops: The museum offers a variety of workshops for children and adults, covering topics such as fossil preparation, taxidermy, and nature photography. These workshops are a great way to get hands-on experience with the museum's collections and learn new skills.
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Family days: The museum hosts several family days throughout the year, with activities such as crafts, games, and live animal demonstrations. These days are a great way for families to spend time together and learn about the natural world in a fun and engaging way.
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Holiday celebrations: The museum also celebrates holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and Halloween with special events and activities. These events are a great way to experience the museum in a festive atmosphere.
Volunteering
The Naturhistorisches Museum offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals who are passionate about natural history and education. Volunteers play a vital role in supporting the museum's mission by assisting with a wide range of tasks, including leading tours, assisting with educational programs, and conducting research.
There are many different ways to get involved as a volunteer at the Naturhistorisches Museum. Docents lead guided tours of the museum's exhibits, sharing their knowledge of natural history with visitors. Tour guides provide information about the museum's collection and history, and answer questions from visitors. Research assistants help with a variety of research projects, such as data collection, specimen preparation, and literature searches.
Volunteering at the Naturhistorisches Museum is a rewarding experience that offers a number of benefits, including free admission to the museum, discounts on programs and events, and a subscription to the museum's magazine. Volunteers also have the opportunity to learn from museum staff, meet other like-minded individuals, and make a difference in their community.
If you are interested in volunteering at the Naturhistorisches Museum, please visit the museum's website or contact the volunteer coordinator. The museum welcomes volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, and there are opportunities for both short-term and long-term commitments.
Membership
The Naturhistorisches Museum offers a membership program that provides a range of benefits to its members, including free admission, discounts on programs and events, and a subscription to the museum's magazine. Members also receive priority access to new exhibitions and events, as well as behind-the-scenes tours and special invitations to exclusive events.
There are three levels of membership, each with its own set of benefits. The Individual membership is the most basic level and includes free admission for one person, a subscription to the museum's magazine, and discounts on programs and events. The Family membership includes free admission for two adults and two children, a subscription to the museum's magazine, and discounts on programs and events. The Patron membership is the highest level of membership and includes all of the benefits of the Individual and Family memberships, as well as additional benefits such as free parking, invitations to exclusive events, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the museum's collections.
To become a member, simply visit the museum's website or fill out a membership form at the museum's front desk. You can also call the museum's membership department at (0911) 211-3333 to learn more about the program and to sign up.
Insider Tip
One little-known fact about the Naturhistorisches Museum is that it has a secret collection of over 1,000 meteorites. These meteorites are not on display to the public, but visitors can request to see them by appointment. To find out more about the meteorite collection, or to schedule an appointment to view them, contact the museum's curator of mineralogy.
Another insider tip is to visit the museum on a weekday morning. This is the best time to avoid crowds and have a more leisurely experience. The museum is also open late on Fridays, so you can enjoy a more relaxed visit after work or school.
Finally, be sure to check the museum's website or social media pages for information about special events and discounts. The museum often hosts free lectures, workshops, and family days, as well as holiday celebrations and themed events. Members of the museum also receive discounts on admission, programs, and events, as well as a subscription to the museum's magazine.
