Museum für Naturkunde: Berlin's Natural History Gem
Explore millions of natural history specimens, including dinosaurs and minerals, at Berlin's renowned Museum für Naturkunde.
The Museum für Naturkunde (Natural History Museum) in Berlin stands as a significant landmark, showcasing the wonders of the natural world. Founded in 1810 as part of the Berlin University (later Humboldt University), the museum has been located in its Invalidenstraße building since 1889. Today, it is home to over 30 million zoological, paleontological, and mineralogical specimens, making it one of the largest natural history museums in Germany. The museum's most iconic exhibits include the towering skeleton of a Giraffatitan brancai, the world's largest mounted dinosaur skeleton, and the well-preserved Berlin specimen of Archaeopteryx lithographica, a crucial transitional fossil linking dinosaurs and modern birds. The Dinosaur Hall offers an immersive experience, displaying fossils recovered from the Tendaguru beds of Tanzania during expeditions in the early 20th century. Beyond dinosaurs, the museum features a vast collection of minerals, including specimens dating back to the Prussian Academy of Sciences of 1700. The Biodiversity Wall showcases the diversity of life with around 3,000 prepared animal species. Visitors can also explore exhibits on the cosmos, the solar system, and the evolution of Earth. With a history spanning over two centuries, the Museum für Naturkunde has played a vital role in scientific research and education. Despite sustaining damage during World War II, the museum reopened in 1945 and has continued to expand and modernize its exhibitions. Today, it remains a hub for researchers and a captivating destination for visitors of all ages.
Local tips
- Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid potential queues, especially during peak season.
- The museum can be easily reached by public transport, with the U-Bahn station Naturkundemuseum being the closest stop.
- Note that only bags smaller than A4 size are allowed in the exhibition areas; larger luggage cannot be stored at the museum.
- Visit during the weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds.
A brief summary to Museum für Naturkunde
- Invalidenstraße 43, Berlin, Mitte, 10115, DE
- +49308891408591
- Visit website
- Tuesday 9:30 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 9:30 am-6 pm
- Thursday 9:30 am-6 pm
- Friday 9:30 am-6 pm
- Saturday 10 am-6 pm
- Sunday 10 am-6 pm
Getting There
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Public Transport
The Museum für Naturkunde is easily accessible via Berlin's efficient public transport system. From Hauptbahnhof (Central Station), take the U-Bahn line U6 (direction Alt-Mariendorf) to Naturkundemuseum station. The museum is a short walk (approximately 300m) from the station. Alternatively, tram lines M5, M8, and M10 also stop close to the museum. A single AB ticket costs €3.80, a short trip ticket is €2.60. Consider a day ticket for €10.60 if you plan to make multiple trips.
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Walking
From Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Central Station), the Museum für Naturkunde is approximately a 15-minute walk (1.3km). Exit the station towards Invalidenstraße and walk east. The museum will be on your left. Walking is a great way to see the city, but note that Berlin is a large city, so wear comfortable shoes.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Berlin. A taxi from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to the Museum für Naturkunde will cost approximately €14, depending on traffic and the exact route. The base fare is €4.30, plus €2.80 per kilometer for the first 7km. A short trip (Kurzstrecke) of up to 2km is a flat rate of €6 if you hail a taxi on the street.
