Evolution Museet (Museum of Evolution), Knuthenborg Safaripark
World-class real dinosaur fossils and a 300-million-year journey through evolution, set inside Denmark’s Knuthenborg Safaripark on the island of Lolland.
Set inside Knuthenborg Safaripark on the island of Lolland, Evolution Museet (Museum of Evolution) is Denmark’s first dedicated dinosaur museum and one of Europe’s most impressive real-fossil collections. Spread across more than 1,000 m², the exhibition leads you through 300 million years of life on Earth, from strange Permian creatures to the age of giant dinosaurs and Ice Age mammals. Immersive light, sound and scent effects, plus spectacular skeletons like Allosaurus “Big Joe”, Torosaurus “Adam”, Lokiceratops and Archaeopteryx, make this a standout family-friendly highlight of the park.
A brief summary to Evolution Museet
- Knuthenborg Park 6, Bandholm, 4941, DK
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Plan at least 60–90 minutes inside the museum as part of a full Knuthenborg Safaripark day, so you have time to follow the full evolutionary timeline without rushing between galleries.
- Bring a light layer: the indoor climate is kept comfortable for conservation, which can feel cool after time in the sun, especially if you linger by the large fossil displays.
- Use the bone maps and period signage to help children track which fossils are real and which era they belong to, turning the visit into an informal time-travel treasure hunt.
- Combine the museum with the nearby Dinosaur Forest on the same visit to contrast real fossils with full-scale moving models of dinosaurs in a sequoia setting.
- Check Knuthenborg’s seasonal opening calendar before you travel, as the museum follows the park’s operating days and hours rather than having separate times.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Car from Maribo or Lolland region
From Maribo and most parts of Lolland, driving is the simplest way to reach Knuthenborg Safaripark, where Evolution Museet is located. The journey from central Maribo typically takes around 10–15 minutes and uses main regional roads with clear signage. Standard passenger cars are sufficient; no special vehicle is required for the safari roads. Day tickets to Knuthenborg, which include access to the Museum of Evolution, generally range from about DKK 250–350 per adult depending on season and offers, with discounts for children.
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Train and bus via Maribo
If you are using public transport from elsewhere in Denmark, take a regional train to Maribo Station and continue by local bus or taxi to Knuthenborg Safaripark. Combined travel from larger cities like Copenhagen usually takes around 2.5–3.5 hours including connections. Local buses from Maribo generally run more frequently in the main season; outside peak months, services can be limited, so check current timetables in advance. Expect regional train fares from Copenhagen to Maribo in the range of roughly DKK 150–250 one way, with an additional local bus fare of about DKK 25–40.
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Bicycle from nearby towns
For a low-impact option, cycling from nearby towns such as Maribo or Bandholm is realistic in good weather. From Maribo the ride typically takes 25–40 minutes each way on relatively flat country roads, while from Bandholm it is shorter. Surfaces are paved but can be busy in high season, so confident road cycling skills are advisable. There is no extra charge to bring your bicycle into the park beyond the standard Knuthenborg admission, which includes Evolution Museet, but always verify current rules on bicycles in the safari areas before you go.
Evolution Museet location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Evolution Museet
A journey through 300 million years of life
Evolution Museet, also known as the Museum of Evolution, sits within Knuthenborg Safaripark and tells the grand story of life on Earth over some 300 million years. Your visit begins in the deep past, before dinosaurs ever walked the planet, when life was still adapting to the harsh conditions of the Permian period. Fossils and reconstructions show how early land vertebrates emerged from the sea and began to conquer dry land, laying the foundations for the ecosystems we recognise today. From there, the exhibition guides you chronologically through the Triassic and into the classic dinosaur ages of the Jurassic and Cretaceous. Clear, engaging panels and bone maps help you understand how each skeleton fits into the evolutionary puzzle, while the layout makes it easy to follow the unfolding timeline of life.World-class dinosaur skeletons up close
The heart of the museum is its exceptional collection of real dinosaur fossils, regarded as one of Europe’s strongest. Among the undisputed stars is Allosaurus “Big Joe”, around nine metres long and more than 95% complete, offering a rare, near-intact look at a powerful Jurassic predator. Nearby stands Torosaurus “Adam”, famous for having one of the largest known dinosaur skulls, its vast frill and horns dominating the gallery. Other show-stoppers include the holotype of Lokiceratops, known from this specimen alone, and a long-necked Camarasaurus, inviting you to imagine the sheer scale of these giants. Detailed labels explain the discoveries behind each fossil, how they were excavated, and what they reveal about dinosaur behaviour, growth and evolution.From feathered fossils to Ice Age giants
Evolution Museet does not stop with the classic dinosaur giants. One of its rarest treasures is a specimen of Archaeopteryx, the iconic fossil that bridges the gap between non-avian dinosaurs and birds. Standing in front of this delicate imprint, you can literally see the transition between reptilian features and feathered wings, a cornerstone in understanding how flight evolved. Further along, the story jumps forward in time to the Ice Age, where towering skeletons of mammoths and giant ground sloths such as Eremotherium highlight an entirely different cast of megafauna. Together with Permian predators like Dimetrodon and other early reptiles, these displays emphasise that dramatic change and extinction have been recurring themes in Earth’s history.Immersive multi-sensory storytelling
What sets Evolution Museet apart is its deliberate use of light, sound and even scent to deepen the experience. Galleries shift in colour and atmosphere as you move from underwater worlds to dense Jurassic forests or swampy Cretaceous lowlands. Soundscapes of distant thunder, insects, or unseen animals build a sense of place, while carefully chosen smells suggest bloody hunting scenes, damp earth or resinous forests. This multi-sensory approach is particularly engaging for younger visitors, who can sense different environments rather than just reading about them. Interactive elements and clear, family-friendly explanations make complex scientific ideas, like mass extinctions and evolutionary branching, tangible and memorable without overwhelming detail.Linking fossils with the living safari park outside
A distinctive feature of the museum is its connection to the surrounding Knuthenborg Safaripark. Many exhibits draw parallels between extinct animals and modern species roaming the park, highlighting how today’s biodiversity is the latest chapter in a much longer story. Explanatory texts compare dinosaur herbivores with modern grazers, or prehistoric predators with today’s big cats. Because admission to the museum is included in the park ticket during normal opening seasons, it naturally becomes part of a wider day out among living animals, playgrounds and the nearby Dinosaur Forest with full-scale moving models. The museum’s indoor setting provides a welcome contrast to the outdoor safari, offering a sheltered, contemplative space where you can slow down and absorb the deep-time context behind the wildlife just outside.Practical visit details and who it suits
The museum is open daily during the park’s season, typically from late morning to late afternoon, in line with Knuthenborg’s general 10:00–17:00 hours. Entry to Evolution Museet is included in the safari park admission rather than sold separately, making it excellent value if you plan to explore the wider grounds. The exhibition space covers more than 1,000 m², so you can comfortably spend one to two hours here as part of a full day in the park. Most areas are on a single level and designed with broad walkways, and the Permian building has ramp access, making it suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Indoor climate control and seating spots along the route make it an appealing stop in changeable Danish weather. Whether you are a dedicated dinosaur enthusiast, a family with curious children or simply someone who enjoys vivid storytelling, Evolution Museet offers a rich, self-contained narrative of Earth’s past that rewards an unhurried visit.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Art & Design
- Landmarks
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly