University collection with minerals, meteorites, a UV cabinet and gifts from Goethe on just under 150 m², with free admission.
May 21, 2026 – November 12, 2026
The special exhibition of the Mineralogical Collection presents rocks from Thuringia and from around the world and shows their diversity and aesthetic effect.
The roots of the collection reach back to 1779. It grew out of a natural history cabinet of the university and was built up over decades by Johann Georg Lenz, the first professor of mineralogy in Jena, who connected it with scholars around the world. In 1797 his circle founded the "Societät für die gesammte Mineralogie" (Society for All Mineralogy), whose third president from 1803 was Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Gifts from this circle can still be seen today.
Until 1904 the collection remained in the Jena City Palace; afterwards it moved into a new building funded by the Carl Zeiss Foundation. In April 1945 a bomb hit the building. For almost 45 years the rescued holdings were not accessible to the public, but they continued to serve teaching and research. In September 1989 it reopened to visitors on a limited basis in Sellierstraße. In 1992 it became part of the newly founded Institute of Geosciences.
Today the collection presents minerals and rocks from the Triassic around Jena on just under 150 square meters. It also offers a cross-section of the systematic collection with localities worldwide, with a focus on Thuringia, a case with meteorites and tektites, a historical room and a UV cabinet. Changing special exhibitions complement the offering.
Admission is free.
Admission is free. Donations and the sale of mineralogical souvenirs benefit the expansion of the collection.
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Great for kids & families
Tours for preschool children. Crafting with minerals for children is offered during the Museum Night.
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Sale of mineralogical souvenirs.
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Thematic tours for pupil and student groups as well as for preschool children; special tours by advance registration. On request, minerals and rocks can be identified. |
