Aquazoo – Löbbecke Museum

Current exhibitions

About the museum

The museum's roots go back to the 19th century: the Düsseldorf pharmacist Theodor Löbbecke (1821–1901) assembled a large natural history collection, mainly of mussels and snails. After his death it passed to the city in 1901, which displayed it as the Löbbecke-Museum from 1904. Alongside it, a zoological garden had existed since 1876, initially run by an association and later taken over by the city.

Around 1930 the museum and zoo also moved closer together physically when a new exhibition building was built next to the zoo entrance. In World War II both institutions were destroyed in 1944; parts of the collection were saved. As early as 1947 the museum reopened provisionally in an air-raid bunker, and an aquarium was added a year later.

In 1987 the museum moved into its new building in the Nordpark. There, for the first time in Germany, a single building complex consistently combined a zoo and a natural history museum. After several years of renovation, the Aquazoo reopened in 2017 with a redesigned exhibition.

Today the route leads through 25 themed rooms following evolution from the sea through fresh water onto land and back into the water. Live animals such as penguins, coral fish, piranhas and dwarf mongooses are shown alongside specimens, fossils and interactive stations. The museum is run by the state capital Düsseldorf and is also active in nature education and in nature and species conservation.

Highlights

• Tour through 25 themed rooms following evolution
• Large aquarium and tropical coral reef
• Penguins, piranhas and dwarf mongooses
• Commented feedings on weekdays
• Theodor Löbbecke's natural history collection

Permanent exhibitions

• Dauerausstellung – A tour through 25 themed rooms combining live animals in naturalistic tanks and terrariums with specimens and hands-on stations on evolution.

Operated by

Landeshauptstadt Düsseldorf

Director

Dr. Jochen Reiter

Admission & discounts

Prices since July 1, 2026, excluding the voluntary species conservation contribution (€1 adults, €0.50 reduced, €2 family); the price page lists prices including the contribution (€11 / €6 / €22). Online advance sales with a fee (€1 single ticket, €2 family ticket). Free: children up to age 5, daycare groups, DüsselPass/DüsseldorfCard holders, friends' association members. Düsseldorfer Familienkarte: 20% discount.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials
• Audio description: no information

Level entrances and exits with automatic doors; three elevators/platform lifts (160 × 90 cm) and one elevator to the exit (220 × 90 cm), operating key at the ticket desk. Loan wheelchairs free of charge by prior phone booking. Tactile guidance system, induction loop in the lecture room, audio guide in Easy Language. Certified under “Reisen für Alle” (Travel for All). Tours for groups with disabilities.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Baby changing facilities
• Kids’ birthday parties

Step stools for children at the enclosures and aquariums as well as many child-friendly elements; children's guide in the shop, children's club and children's birthdays (ages 7 and up, Mon–Fri outside school holidays). There are three playgrounds in the surrounding Nordpark.

Getting there & parking

The museum recommends arriving by bicycle or public transport. By car, from the north take the A 44 (exit Stockum), from the south the A 46, and follow the signs for Messe or Aquazoo.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

No cafeteria; eating and drinking not permitted in the exhibition.

Events & venue rental

No venue rental listed on the website; children's birthday parties are offered.

Plan your visit