Berlin's Natural History Museum (Museum für Naturkunde) is home to a vast array of zoological, paleontological and mineralogical specimens. The popular Berlin museum also boasts that it houses the largest mounted dinosaur in the world. It is so large in fact, that it was impossible for me to get a full photo of it!
The main entrance to the museum has a number of steps, but there is a side entrance that is better accessible for wheelchair and pram users. You need to ring the bell and then you will be allowed inside to take a quick lift ride to the ticket area (thank you Jenni for this tip).
Upon entering, you are soon faced with an incredibly bright, dinosaur filled room! ''WOW'' is the word that escapes my oldest boys' lips whenever he sees this room and I must admit that I feel the same. This initial room will without a doubt be a hit for any young dinosaur fans in Berlin. It features large skeletons, fossils and a couple of fun interactive tools.
Upon entering, you are soon faced with an incredibly bright, dinosaur filled room! ''WOW'' is the word that escapes my oldest boys' lips whenever he sees this room and I must admit that I feel the same. This initial room will without a doubt be a hit for any young dinosaur fans in Berlin. It features large skeletons, fossils and a couple of fun interactive tools.
Head over to the screens angled off the floor and you will see pictures of the skeletons standing in front of you. Move the dial to one of the dinosaurs and suddenly the creature on the screen will fill with muscles and skin and spring to life. This is my oldest boys' favourite part of the whole museum and we always spend a looooooong time playing with the dials.
The museum isn't all about dinosaurs of course. The many expansive rooms are filled with a myriad of creatures in many a form. At the time we were visiting, the museum has a special exhibit celebrating 60 years since the discovery of the DNA structure double helix. More info on the special exhibit here.
The museum takes you from the world of the dinosaurs, in to the realms of the double helix, on to the depths of the sea and in the skies with the birds. It really is a feast for the eyes!
My issue with the Natural History Museum is that there aren't enough interactive exhibitions for the younger kids. They are undoubtedly amazed by the sheer scale of a lot of what they will see (giant insects anyone?!), but, it would be great to have more hands-on options for them.
That said, what interactive options there are, are brilliant. The dinosaur in the photos below has removable parts, meaning it is pretty much a 3D puzzle and it's amazing. The pieces are quite heavy, so the younger ones may need some help, but it's educational and incredibly fun.
My issue with the Natural History Museum is that there aren't enough interactive exhibitions for the younger kids. They are undoubtedly amazed by the sheer scale of a lot of what they will see (giant insects anyone?!), but, it would be great to have more hands-on options for them.
That said, what interactive options there are, are brilliant. The dinosaur in the photos below has removable parts, meaning it is pretty much a 3D puzzle and it's amazing. The pieces are quite heavy, so the younger ones may need some help, but it's educational and incredibly fun.
One of the most amazing spaces in the museum is the glass menagerie that holds more than a million zoological species preserved in alcohol. If I hadn't gotten a little impatient, my son would have had me looking at every single one of those million species! It is an interesting space for all who enter, but beware, it's quite chilly, so you may want a jumper for your time in there.
There is also something on offer for space fans, with a small exhibit and video to relax to.
All in all, I really like this museum. A lot of the information is available in both English and German (although not all) and you will likely see a number of creatures there that will shock and amaze you. I just wish there was a little more on offer for kids to play and learn with.
Prices, opening times, more photos and other info can be found below:
Berlin Natural History Museum (Museum für Naturkunde)
Website (link to English language version of site, also available in German)
Where: Invalidenstraße 43, 10115 Berlin
Food & Drinks: Yes (there's a small cafeteria)
Nearest Transport:
Naturkundemuseum
Trams: M6, M8, 12
Buses: 120, 123, 147, 240, 245, 247
Prices:
Adults: €6
Children under 5: Free
Children 5-15: €3.50
Small Family Card: €6.50 (1 adult, up to 2 children)
Family Card: €11 (2 adults, up to 3 children)
ALG II Recipients (benefits): €3.50
Opening Times:
Tuesday to Friday 9.30am - 6pm
Saturday, Sunday, Public holidays 10am - 6pm
Mondays CLOSED
Ticket offices close 30 minutes before museum closes!
Additional closed days 23.12, 24.12, 25.12.2013
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All in all, I really like this museum. A lot of the information is available in both English and German (although not all) and you will likely see a number of creatures there that will shock and amaze you. I just wish there was a little more on offer for kids to play and learn with.
Prices, opening times, more photos and other info can be found below:
Berlin Natural History Museum (Museum für Naturkunde)
Website (link to English language version of site, also available in German)
Where: Invalidenstraße 43, 10115 Berlin
Food & Drinks: Yes (there's a small cafeteria)
Nearest Transport:
Naturkundemuseum
Trams: M6, M8, 12
Buses: 120, 123, 147, 240, 245, 247
Prices:
Adults: €6
Children under 5: Free
Children 5-15: €3.50
Small Family Card: €6.50 (1 adult, up to 2 children)
Family Card: €11 (2 adults, up to 3 children)
ALG II Recipients (benefits): €3.50
Opening Times:
Tuesday to Friday 9.30am - 6pm
Saturday, Sunday, Public holidays 10am - 6pm
Mondays CLOSED
Ticket offices close 30 minutes before museum closes!
Additional closed days 23.12, 24.12, 25.12.2013
Berlin for all the Family can also be found on:
