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Natural History Museum Berlin

8/10/2013

2 Comments

 
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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 . 

Upon entering, you are soon faced with an incredibly bright, dinosaur skeleton filled room. 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. It's quite jaw-dropping, no matter how many times you've visited. 
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Head over to the screens angled off the floor and you will see pictures of the skeletons, 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 forms. At the time we were visiting, the museum has a special exhibit celebrating 60 years since the discovery of the DNA structure double helix.
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.
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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.
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There is also something on offer for space fans, with a small exhibit and video to relax and watch on a comfy sofa. 

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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2 Comments
Juliane
8/22/2014 03:57:13 am

Hi Sarah, thank you for the blogpost. I must say your photos from our exhibition are INCREDIBLE. I Hope you don't mind I shared some of them on our Pinterest board.

Regards, Juliane
Museum für Naturkunde

Reply
Roy Keller link
2/2/2021 10:42:00 am

Lovely blog, thanks for taking the time to share this.

Reply



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