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Museums #22 in Magdeburg

Museum of Natural History Magdeburg

4.7 · 513 reviews
Scholarly and intimate
Museum of Natural History Magdeburg, Otto-von-Guericke-Straße 68-73, 39104 Magdeburg
Interesting facts
1

The museum building was constructed in 1876 and served as a secondary school before its conversion into a natural history facility.

2

The collection includes fossilized remains found directly within the Magdeburg city limits, indicating prehistoric life along the Elbe river.

3

It holds a significant collection of lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) that documents species distribution shifts over the last century.

4

The museum serves as a repository for regional environmental data, assisting in the long-term monitoring of local flora and fauna.

Overview

The Museum of Natural History Magdeburg, housed in a historic building formerly serving as a school, focuses on the regional biology and geology of Saxony-Anhalt. Its collections encompass significant zoological, botanical, and paleontological specimens that document the natural history of the Elbe valley. A centerpiece of the exhibition is the skeleton of a mammoth, which highlights the region's ice-age heritage. The institution actively engages in scientific research, specifically in the fields of zoology and environmental science. Permanent displays explore local ecosystems, ranging from river landscapes to forest habitats. The museum also maintains an extensive collection of taxidermy and preserved animal species native to the area. Educational programs are frequently organized to connect regional biodiversity with broader ecological concepts.

Photo spot

Beside the reconstructed mammoth skeleton in the main exhibition hall.

Insider tips

Check the museum's official website for current rotating special exhibitions before arrival.

Plan to explore the surrounding city park area after your visit for a complete afternoon outing.

The exhibits are highly descriptive in German; international visitors may benefit from a digital translation tool for signage.

What to avoid

Do not rush through the exhibits, as the small, detailed regional displays offer significant insight into local natural history that is often missed.

Good to know

Closed on Mondays.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1.5-2 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings to avoid school group crowds and enjoy a quiet viewing experience.
Address
Museum of Natural History Magdeburg, Otto-von-Guericke-Straße 68-73, 39104 Magdeburg
52.125, 11.630
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsMammoth skeleton, regional fossils, and Saxony-Anhalt zoological specimens

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1.5-2 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings to avoid school group crowds and enjoy a quiet viewing experience..

Beside the reconstructed mammoth skeleton in the main exhibition hall.

Close by you'll find Magdeburg Cathedral Saint Mauritius and Catherine, Hundertwasser's Green Citadel of Magdeburg, Hubbrücke Magdeburg.