Museum Mineralogia München

Current exhibitions

About the museum

Museum Mineralogia – formerly known as “Reich der Kristalle” (Realm of Crystals) – is the publicly accessible part of the Mineralogische Staatssammlung München (Bavarian State Collection of Mineralogy), a research institution of the Staatliche Naturwissenschaftliche Sammlungen Bayerns (SNSB).

The state collection grew together from numerous individual holdings in the 19th century. Especially formative was the natural history cabinet of the Dukes of Leuchtenberg in Eichstätt, with high-quality specimens from Russia and Brazil, which came to Munich in 1858 and was merged with the state collection. Under Paul von Groth, director from 1880, it rose to become one of the most important mineral collections in Europe. However, an air raid in April 1944 destroyed well over three-quarters of the holdings, and in 1972, shortly before a move, numerous top pieces were lost in a burglary.

Since the 1970s, the collection has been housed in a university building on Theresienstraße, opposite the Pinakothek der Moderne. The display cases are grouped around the large lecture hall and along a connecting corridor, where models and self-service experiments explain basic concepts such as crystal structure, symmetry, and crystal growth. Among the best-known pieces are a large Russian emerald specimen, the King Ludwig Diamond, and the main mass of the Mauerkirchen meteorite. A dedicated room shows a new special exhibition every year, and the foyer also hosts art and jewelry presentations in dialogue with minerals.

Highlights

• Large emerald specimen from the Urals (formerly in the Leuchtenberg collection)
• King Ludwig Diamond
• Main mass of the Mauerkirchen meteorite
• Experiment stations on crystal structure and crystal growth
• Monthly changing “Mineral of the Month”

Permanent exhibitions

• Minerale, Kristalle und Edelsteine – Mineral specimens, gemstones, and meteorites around the large lecture hall, plus models and experiments on crystal structure, symmetry, and crystal growth.

Operated by

Staatliche Naturwissenschaftliche Sammlungen Bayerns (SNSB)

Director

Sandro Jahn

Admission & discounts

Cash only. Different prices may apply for special exhibitions. While the special exhibition room was being remodeled in spring 2026, admission was free Tue–Fri and half price on weekends.

Accessibility

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

Tactile tours and workshops for blind and visually impaired people (“Minerale und ihre Eigenschaften” [minerals and their properties], “Vulkane und Plattentektonik” [volcanoes and plate tectonics], 60–75 minutes, also for individuals, registration by email). No information on physical accessibility; the entrance is up an outdoor staircase.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Kids’ birthday parties

Special children's tours and workshops for children and teenagers on request; children's birthday parties possible at the museum. Family ticket available.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & 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