Gondwana – Das Praehistorium

About the museum

Gondwana – Das Praehistorium was built on the site of the former Reden coal mine in Schiffweiler-Landsweiler and opened in December 2008. The privately run venue sees itself as a natural history experience museum that conveys knowledge about the history of the Earth and evolution through elaborate stagings. The project was part of the structural transformation of the former mining region and was supported by state funding, which was politically controversial; in 2010 the operation briefly faced closure.

The first part of the exhibition leads through reconstructed landscapes of Earth history from the primeval ocean to the end of the dinosaurs, with sounds, light and weather effects. In 2013 a second large hall was added: a sequence of scenes staged as a journey through time spans the arc from early primates through Neanderthals, the Bronze Age and the Middle Ages to the space age.

The main attractions include a show with animatronic dinosaurs in a tall stage space, 3D and 4D cinemas and an animation show about the prehistoric shark Megalodon. In the entrance hall stands a replica of an Argentinosaurus skeleton. In recent years the exhibition has been expanded with a gallery of human ancestors, a rescue drone simulation on climate history and, in 2026, the hands-on laboratory “PalaeoLab”.

Highlights

• Nine life-size dinosaur robots, including Tyrannosaurus rex
• Dinosaur show on a large stage
• Journey through 4.6 billion years of Earth history in 21 themed worlds
• Replica of an Argentinosaurus skeleton in the entrance hall
• Megalodon animation show as well as 3D and 4D cinemas
• PalaeoLab with excavation stations for children

Permanent exhibitions

• Erdgeschichte & Entwicklung des Lebens – Walk-through prehistoric landscapes with sound, light and weather effects lead from early seas to the age of the dinosaurs.
• Die Evolution des Menschen (Z.E.R.A.-Zeitreise) – A staged journey through time in twelve stations leaps from the space station back through the Middle Ages and Stone Age to early primates.
• Dinosaurier-Show – Animatronic giant dinosaurs act out a prehistoric scene on a large stage.

Founded

2008

Operated by

Gondwana Praehistorium e.K.

Director

Matthias Michael Kuhl

Admission & discounts

Children’s prices apply to ages 3 to 17. Gondi’s Dinowelt (indoor playground) is not included in admission.

Accessibility

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

Rooms are barrier-free and accessible with wheelchairs and strollers. Strobe effects in some areas (note for people with epilepsy). Pets are not allowed.

Kids & families

Great for kids & familiesRecommended for ages 6+

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Playground / play area: not available

Recommended from age 6, as younger children may be overwhelmed by the effects, volume and vibrations; under 18 only with adults. In the PalaeoLab, children dig for fossils at excavation stations. The indoor playground Gondi’s Dinowelt is not part of the museum visit.

Getting there & parking

A 8 exit Neunkirchen-City, on the B 41 towards Ottweiler/St. Wendel, from the Sinnerthal roundabout towards Landsweiler.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant
• Coat check
• Lockers

Gondi’s Restaurant in the entrance hall beneath the dinosaur skeleton, with a terrace in summer. Open coat racks and a limited number of lockers. Bags only up to A4 size.

Events & venue rental

The neighbouring indoor playground Gondi’s Dinowelt can be rented exclusively for three hours.

Plan your visit