MiMa Mineralien- und Mathematikmuseum

About the museum

The MiMa opened on January 30, 2010. It was created over a construction period of around two years by converting and expanding Oberwolfach's former mineral museum and is supported by three partners: the municipality of Oberwolfach, the Verein der Freunde von Mineralien und Bergbau Oberwolfach e. V. (society of friends of minerals and mining), and the Mathematisches Forschungsinstitut Oberwolfach, an internationally renowned venue for mathematics conferences. The project was funded by, among others, the State of Baden-Württemberg and the Federal Ministry of Research.

The concept links two special features of the region. The minerals section shows finds from the entire Black Forest, especially from the nearby Grube Clara mine, which is known for its variety of mineral species; the society looks after and expands the collection as volunteers. The mathematics section uses screens, models and hands-on stations to make topics such as symmetry, crystal lattices and algebraic surfaces tangible, including exhibits from the research institute's traveling exhibition IMAGINARY.

From January 2023 to July 2024 the museum was closed for an extension and conversion, reopening on July 28, 2024. Since December 2025 later opening hours have applied on weekends and public holidays. With lectures and concerts in the "Kultur im MiMa" series as well as special exhibitions, the museum is also an event venue in the Kinzig valley.

Highlights

• Minerals from the Black Forest, especially from the Grube Clara mine
• Interactive stations on symmetry and crystallography
• Exhibits from the IMAGINARY mathematics exhibition, such as the SURFER program
• Platonic solids and a 3D flight through crystal lattices
• Free audio guide via QR code

Permanent exhibitions

• Mineralienausstellung – Minerals from the entire Black Forest with a focus on finds from the Grube Clara mine, curated by the local mineral society.
• Mathematikausstellung – Interactive stations by the Mathematisches Forschungsinstitut on symmetry, crystallography and mathematical surfaces that build a bridge to the minerals.

Founded

2010

Operated by

Gemeinde Oberwolfach, Verein der Freunde von Mineralien und Bergbau Oberwolfach e. V. und Mathematisches Forschungsinstitut Oberwolfach

Admission & discounts

The MiMa is a member of the Oberrheinischer Museums-Pass (Upper Rhine museum pass).

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

Interactive math stations with touchscreens and puzzles to try out; the online audio guide has its own introductions for children. Occasional search games for children in the museum.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop with books, games and minerals.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Plan your visit