From October 10, 2026
NATURMODUS – Systeme in Bewegung
The exhibition explores nature in the city and its importance for quality of life, with sensory experiences, research findings, and hands-on formats. An end date has not yet been announced.
Landesmuseum Natur und Mensch Oldenburg
State museum of natural history, archaeology, and ethnology in Oldenburg, with a vivarium devoted to the Hunte River and a focus on moor, geest, and coast.
Opening hoursAdmission from €6 Partially accessible
Limited operations (expected until 2027-02). The permanent exhibition (moor, geest, coast and marsh) is closed for renovation, expected until the end of February 2027. Until October 9, 2026, only the mineral vault, vivarium, Open Space, and shop are open (free admission); from October 10, 2026, the special exhibition NATURMODUS can also be seen.
Current exhibitions
October 14, 2026 – November 12, 2026
(_)scape: Landschaft als konstruierter Raum
Students from the University of Oldenburg present sculpture and photography on how landscape is perceived and shaped; the venue is the unrenovated building at Damm 46.
About the museum
Grand Duke Paul Friedrich August founded a natural history museum in Oldenburg in 1836. As its core, he purchased the collection of physician Otto Ernst Oppermann, including some 9,800 insects and almost 500 mounted birds.
The current museum building on Damm was built from 1876 to 1879 to designs by Gerhard Schnitger. In 1938, the museum was renamed Staatliches Museum für Naturkunde und Vorgeschichte (State Museum of Natural History and Prehistory); it was badly damaged in an air raid in 1943 but remained open. It later received the name Landesmuseum Natur und Mensch; today it is run by the Niedersächsische Landesmuseen Oldenburg (Lower Saxony State Museums Oldenburg) and directed by Ursula Warnke.
The collections are divided into natural history, archaeology, and ethnology. One focus is the bog archaeology of northwestern Germany; well-known pieces include bog finds and the Weser rune bones. The permanent exhibition links natural and cultural history through the landscapes of moor, geest (sandy upland), and coast and marsh; the connecting element is the Hunte River, whose habitats are shown in the vivarium. The permanent exhibition is currently being renovated.
Highlights
- Vivarium "Die Hunte" with freshwater, brackish-water, and saltwater aquariums
- Bog archaeology of northwestern Germany with bog finds
- Media guide also in German Sign Language
- Mineral vault with gemstones and minerals
- Open Space with reading and play areas and free admission
Permanent exhibitions
- Die Hunte – Vivarium – Aquariums in the basement follow the course of the Hunte River from the uplands to the North Sea, showing fish and aquatic animals from freshwater to saltwater. The large shark tank is currently out of service due to a technical fault.
- Mineraliengewölbe – Gemstones and minerals in a vault in the basement (not accessible).
- Moor, Geest, Küste und Marsch – The main exhibition links the natural and human history of northwestern Germany's landscapes; it is closed for renovation, expected until the end of February 2027.
- Founded
- 1836
- Operated by
- Niedersächsische Landesmuseen Oldenburg (Land Niedersachsen)
- Director
- Ursula Warnke
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €4Apprentices, university students, people doing a voluntary social year (FSJ) or federal volunteer service, unemployed people/recipients of unemployment benefit II, people with severe disabilities, holders of the Ehrenamtskarte (volunteer card), Public Card/Social Card, and Oldenburg Pass, participants in the city tour, dArV |
| Children & teens | €2free up to age 6 · Children age 7 and up €2, under 7 free |
| Seniors | –No senior discount listed |
| Visitors with disabilities | €4Reduced with a severe disability ID (Schwerbehindertenausweis) |
| Students & apprentices | €4 |
| Groups (10+ people) | €4 per personGroups of 10 or more |
| Families | €12Two adults with children |
| Annual pass | €25Validity extended by four months due to the closure of the permanent exhibition |
| Family annual pass | €30 |
Prices apply while the permanent exhibition is closed. The Open Space is free; from Sept. 14 to Oct. 9, 2026, all open areas are free to visit. Free admission for ICOM/DMB members, press, museum staff, and members of the friends' association.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Accessible side entrance; exhibitions reachable by elevator (operated by visitor services); the mineral vault in the basement is not accessible. Two accessible parking spaces behind the building, accessible restroom at the entrance, reading magnifiers, loan wheelchairs, and portable stools. Media guide also in German Sign Language. Afternoon visits are recommended for noise-sensitive guests. Listed with "Reisen für Alle" (Travel for All).
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 6 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €12 · Two adults with children |
- Family tours & workshops
- Stroller-friendly
- Baby changing facilities
- Playground / play area
- Kids’ birthday parties
Workshops for children and families as well as family tours in the events program; children's birthday parties on request. Loaner buggies at the ticket desk, baby changing table and children's play area in the Open Space, microwave for baby food.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Staatsarchiv
Bus 315, 320, 325 (VWG) and 270, 280, 910 (VBN) from ZOB/Hauptbahnhof Süd to Staatsarchiv (directly at the museum); Am Schlossplatz stop about a 5-minute walk; main station about a 15-minute walk (1.3 km).
By car
Parking available
At the building only 2 accessible and 3 family parking spaces; in the surrounding area often only 1-hour parking. Park & Ride recommended.
- Accessible parking
Amenities & dining
- Restaurant: not available
- Museum shop
- Wi-Fi
In the Open Space, hot and cold drinks as well as a free water station, open Wi-Fi, and Eduroam.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
Up to 169 guests.
Lecture hall (168.5 m², 169 seats, air-conditioned, with technical equipment) available for rent.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes (DE, EN) |
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Photography for private purposes allowed (respect personal privacy rights) |
| Good to know | Free media guide in German, English, and sign language. Guided tours and workshops on request via the booking form; educational programs for schools and daycare centers. |
