Natural History Museum of Basel and its collection

Natural History Museum of Basel
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The Natural History Museum Basel, also known as the 'Archive of Life', is a natural history museum located in Basel. It was founded in 1821 and has been in its current location at Augustinergasse since 1849. The museum covers most areas of natural sciences and its mission is to expand, preserve, research, document, and communicate the natural science collections.

Permanent Exhibitions at the Museum

The museum displays permanent exhibitions on various topics. These include 'Nature Scene' which showcases birds, mammals and minerals of Switzerland, 'Ammonite & Thunderbolt' which displays fossils of the Basel region, 'Fire & Water' which explains the dynamics of the Earth, 'Dino & Dinosaurs' which explores dinosaurs and their environment, 'Mammoth & Saber-toothed Tiger' which traces the evolution of mammals, 'Squid & Butterflies' which features invertebrate animals, 'Quagga & Dodo' which highlights threatened and extinct species, 'Whale & Fish' which presents fish, frogs and reptiles, and 'Hatchery' which shows the development of a swallowtail from egg to butterfly.

Special Exhibitions at the Museum

In addition to its permanent exhibitions, the museum also hosts special exhibitions that put scientific questions in a contemporary, current context. Examples of these special exhibitions include 'Deep Sea' (2007/2008), 'The Flies' (2008/2009), 'Messel, Primal Horse & Co.' (2009/2010), 'Bone Work - When Skeletons Tell' (2011/2012), 'Parasites' (2014/2015), 'Mummies - Puzzles of Time' (2016/2017), 'On the Move in the Ear' (2018/2019) or 'Earth at the Limit' (2020/2021).

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DENaturhistorisches Museum Basel
ITMuseo di scienze naturali (Basilea)
FRMusée d'histoire naturelle de Bâle
ESMuseo de Historia Natural de Basilea

Nature & Natural History Nature & Natural History Animals Geology

Natural History Museum of Basel
Augustinergasse 2
4051 Basel

Visitor information Natural History Museum of Basel

Opening hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday
10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday
10:00 – 17:00
Thursday
10:00 – 17:00
Friday
10:00 – 17:00
Saturday
10:00 – 17:00
Sunday
10:00 – 17:00

Admission

AdultsCHF 7.00
Young PeopleCHF 5.00

Facilities

Wheelchair accessible

Location & Map

Augustinergasse 2, Basel

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Exhibitions

No exhibitions in Natural History Museum of Basel have been found.

Natural History Museum of Basel Reviews

Natural History Museum of Basel has 1 rating.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The Natural History Museum of Basel offers a comprehensive and engaging experience for visitors interested in the natural world. Located in the heart of Basel, Switzerland, this museum houses an extensive collection of specimens and exhibits that cover various scientific disciplines.

    Visitors often praise the museum's diverse range of exhibits, which include impressive displays of minerals, fossils, and taxidermied animals. The dinosaur skeletons and prehistoric animal reconstructions are particularly popular, especially among younger visitors. Many reviewers appreciate the museum's efforts to present information in an accessible and interactive manner, with multimedia displays and hands-on elements that enhance the learning experience.

    The museum's layout is generally well-organized, allowing for a logical flow through different sections. However, some visitors note that certain areas can feel a bit crowded during peak times. The building itself, while historic and charming, may present accessibility challenges for some visitors due to its older architecture.

    One of the most commended aspects of the museum is its commitment to scientific accuracy and educational value. Many visitors appreciate the depth of information provided, though some suggest that more extensive English translations would be helpful for international tourists.

    The museum's temporary exhibitions receive positive feedback for bringing fresh and current scientific topics to the forefront. These rotating displays help to keep the museum experience dynamic and encourage repeat visits.

    While the Natural History Museum of Basel may not be the largest of its kind, it compensates with the quality and curation of its exhibits. It's particularly well-suited for families and school groups, offering an educational and entertaining outing. However, some visitors mention that compared to larger natural history museums in other major cities, it might feel somewhat smaller in scale.

    Overall, the Natural History Museum of Basel provides a solid and informative experience, effectively balancing scientific rigor with public accessibility. It stands as a valuable cultural and educational institution in Basel, appealing to both locals and tourists interested in natural sciences.

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  • Aggregated rating

    This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.

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