Kassel: Museum of Natural History in the Ottoneum
The natural history collection in the Ottoneum is one of the oldest collections in Europe.
The natural history collection in the Ottoneum, which dates from the cabinet of curiosities owned by the landgrave, is one of the oldest collections in Europe and includes notable treasures of historic interest. Very significant exhibition pieces are the oldest systematic herbal collection in Europe – the 400 years old “Herbarium Ratzenberger” – as well as the “Goethe Elephant” – one of the first primed big mammal skeletons ever and the “Schildbach Wood-Library”, dating from the 18th century.
In the section “Earth and Nature History of the Region” the visitor can experience how the region around Kassel has changed through evolution. From the Permian up to the Present this exhibition offers a wide range of interesting fossils, models and other exhibits. In addition to that are life-size reconstructions of a dinosaur, a cave bear and a mammoth on display. Northern Hessian habitats as “Fuldaaue” and “Buchenwald” are well presented in showcases close to nature. Insights into the diversity of species offer the sections “Birds of the World” and “Motley World of Insects”.
In addition to guided tours for kindergartens and school classes the educational staff also offer a wide range of activities and organises events related to natural sciences for kids as well as for adults. These also include vacation programmes, excursions to the local countryside, handicraft courses, fairy-tale readings, individual birthday parties and much more.
More information on the website: www.naturkundemuseum-kassel.de
information
Naturkundemuseum im Ottoneum:
Steinweg 2
34117 Kassel
tel: +49(0)561.787-4066
fax: +49(0)561.787-4058
info@naturkundemuseum-kassel.de
www.naturkundemuseum-kassel.de
