May 20, 2026 – November 8, 2026
Urzeitkrebse – Überlebenskünstler der Natur
The exhibition explains why tadpole shrimp are considered living fossils, where they occur, and how they suddenly appear in puddles after long dry spells.
Jura-Museum
Fossil museum at Willibaldsburg castle in Eichstätt, featuring an original Archaeopteryx, finds from the Solnhofen limestone and coral reef aquariums.
Opening hoursAdmission from €6
Current exhibitions
About the museum
The Jura-Museum grew out of a teaching collection: at the Bischöfliches Seminar (episcopal seminary) in Eichstätt, fossils from the surrounding quarries were first gathered to give future theologians an education in natural history. The theologian and geologist Franz Xaver Mayr championed the idea of a public museum but died in 1974, two years before it opened in 1976.
The museum moved into rooms in the Willibaldsburg, the former residence of the prince-bishops of Eichstätt, high above the Altmühl valley. Under its first director, Günter Viohl, who led the museum until 2003, it became one of Germany's best-known fossil museums; he was succeeded by Martina Kölbl-Ebert. The museum is part of the network of the Staatliche Naturwissenschaftliche Sammlungen Bayerns (Bavarian State Natural History Collections).
In mid-2019, responsibility for the museum passed from the episcopal seminary to the Stiftung Katholische Universität Eichstätt-Ingolstadt. After a break for renovation, it reopened in January 2020; since then, Christina Ifrim has headed its scientific work. In 2026 the museum marks its 50th anniversary with a program of events.
The focus is on fossils from the Solnhofen limestone, which document a tropical landscape of islands and lagoons around 150 million years old. The star exhibit is an original specimen of the early bird Archaeopteryx; other highlights include predatory dinosaurs such as Juravenator, pterosaurs, and aquariums with living corals and primeval animal species.
Highlights
- Eichstätt Archaeopteryx – an original specimen of the early bird in the region where it was found
- The world's only skeleton of the predatory dinosaur Juravenator
- Early bird Alcmonavis
- Pterosaur skeleton model with an eleven-meter wingspan
- Display aquariums with a coral reef and "living fossils" such as horseshoe crabs
Permanent exhibitions
- Zeitreise ins Jura-Meer – Fossils from the Solnhofen limestone bring to life a tropical world of islands, reefs and lagoons from around 150 million years ago – with an Archaeopteryx hall and display aquariums.
- Founded
- 1976
- Operated by
- Stiftung Katholische Universität Eichstätt-Ingolstadt (Mitglied der Staatlichen Naturwissenschaftlichen Sammlungen Bayerns)
- Director
- PD Dr. Christina Ifrim (wissenschaftliche Leitung)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €5Seniors 65 and over, groups of 15 or more; further concessions according to the fee regulations of the Bayerische Schlösserverwaltung (Bavarian Palace Administration) |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Children and teens under 18 free |
| Seniors | €5Ages 65 and over |
| Visitors with disabilities | –According to the museum, the concession rules of the Bayerische Schlösserverwaltung apply (there: reduced admission for people with severe disabilities, companion with "B" marker admitted free) |
| Groups (15+ people) | €5 per personReduced price for groups of 15 or more; guided tours can be booked in addition |
Prices valid since January 1, 2026. The ticket also covers special exhibitions, the Museum für Ur- und Frühgeschichte (museum of prehistory and early history) and the castle grounds of the Willibaldsburg (where accessible). Group tours €50–95 (foreign-language €60) plus admission.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking
- 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
The climb up to the castle is not accessible; two accessible parking spaces in the castle courtyard. The website gives no further information on accessibility inside the building.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 17 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Kids’ birthday parties
Bookable children's tours (e.g. castle or dinosaurs, approx. 1 hour each), workshops and children's birthday parties on three themes (2.5 hours, max. 11 children, craft materials included). Free audio drama "Zeitreise ins Jura-Meer" ("Time Travel to the Jurassic Sea") to download.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Elias-Holl-Straße 1
From Eichstätt Stadt station, approx. 20 minutes uphill on foot; alternatively, on-demand bus Rufbus+ R205 to "Elias-Holl-Straße 1" halfway up, then 10–15 minutes to the castle. The footpath to the castle is not accessible.
By car
Parking available
A few spaces in the castle courtyard (including 2 accessible parking spaces); on weekends and during school holidays, the vocational school parking lot (approx. 10–15 min. walk); paid parking lot Freiwasser, Innere Freiwasserstraße 14 (approx. 20–25 min. climb). Tour buses stop on the shoulder of Burgstraße, with a turning point near the vocational school.
- Accessible parking
GPS address: Burgstraße 19, 85072 Eichstätt (Willibaldsburg).
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Free public guided tour on Sundays at 14:00 (with valid admission, no registration needed). Group tours (max. 15 people) on eleven topics, also in English, Italian and French; book via info@jura-museum.de or 08421 602980. Museum ticket desk: 08421 4730. |
