Evolution Museet (Museum of Evolution), Knuthenborg Safaripark

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.