The museum holds the Eichstätt specimen of Archaeopteryx, which is one of only a few known fossils of this primitive bird.
The Solnhofen limestone, where these fossils were extracted, was once a shallow, high-salinity lagoon system during the Jurassic period.
The museum maintains an aquarium with living nautilus, providing a window into the evolution of cephalopods.
The Willibaldsburg, which houses the museum, served as the residence of the prince-bishops of Eichstätt for centuries.
Many of the fossils on display exhibit 'soft-tissue preservation,' a rare phenomenon where skin, feathers, or stomach contents are fossilized.
The Jura Museum is located within the historic Willibaldsburg fortress in Eichstätt, specializing in the paleontology of the Altmühltal region. It houses one of the world's most significant collections of Jurassic fossils, particularly those found in the Solnhofen limestone deposits. The museum's most famous exhibit is a specimen of Archaeopteryx lithographica, the transition fossil between dinosaurs and birds. The facility also features living exhibits, including a marine aquarium displaying coral reef inhabitants that mimic the ancient environment of the Jurassic sea. Visitors can observe prepared fossil specimens, including ichthyosaurs, pterosaurs, and diverse species of crustacea and fish. The displays explain the geological processes that led to the fossilization of these organisms in the local lithographic limestone. The institution serves as a center for regional geological research and public education. The site utilizes the unique architectural spaces of the castle to present its collection.
The main exhibition hall features a dramatic, large-scale layout with the central Archaeopteryx display as the focal point.
Combine your museum visit with a walk along the perimeter walls of the Willibaldsburg for panoramic views of the Altmühltal valley.
Check the museum's schedule for guided tours, as they provide essential context for the complex geological history of the region.
Focus on the 'living fossils' display to compare current marine life with their extinct ancestors found in the glass cases.
Do not overlook the smaller cabinets; the most significant specimens, like the Archaeopteryx, are often modest in size compared to larger skeleton casts.
Closed on Mondays throughout the year.
No flash photography near sensitive fossils; quiet behavior is expected in the gallery spaces.
