The museum preserves the taxidermy remains of Barry, the famous St. Bernard, though he was originally stuffed in a dynamic pose that has been modified over the decades.
It hosts one of the most comprehensive private mineral collections in Switzerland, including giant rock crystals found in the Fieschertal.
The diorama collection includes a recreation of the Serengeti landscape that has been largely maintained in its original artistic form since the 1930s.
The museum building is located in the Kirchenfeld district, a historic quarter established specifically for museums and institutions in the late 19th century.
The Naturhistorisches Museum Bern is renowned for its collection of over 200 life-sized animal dioramas depicting creatures from Europe, Africa, and Asia. Located in the Kirchenfeld quarter, the museum holds a significant collection of minerals from the Swiss Alps. It houses Barry, a legendary St. Bernard dog credited with saving over 40 lives in the Great St. Bernard Pass. The museum serves as a research institution with deep ties to the University of Bern. Its permanent exhibitions cover diverse topics ranging from evolution and biodiversity to local geological history. The displays utilize historical diorama techniques developed in the early 20th century.
The central hall featuring the massive, open-layout skeleton displays and the historic, high-ceilinged galleries.
Check the official website for temporary exhibitions, as the museum frequently updates its displays on current ecological and climate-related issues.
Visit the museum shop for high-quality scientific books and nature-themed gifts unique to the Swiss academic context.
Allow extra time for the interactive discovery stations designed for younger visitors, which are integrated into the main corridors.
Do not attempt to touch the diorama glass or exhibits, as many of the taxidermy displays are historical and extremely fragile.
Open daily, though often closed on certain public holidays; check the website for specific seasonal exhibition changes.
