Natureum am Schloss Ludwigslust

About the museum

The Natureum is housed in the Fontänenhaus (fountain house) of the Ludwigslust palace park, the oldest building in the town. The two-story half-timbered house was probably built in connection with the construction of the Great Canal in the 18th century and originally held the water reservoir for the fountains. Once the water features were finished, it lost this role and served as a simple house for staff. Around 1855 it was extended to the north during the park redesign and given a Classicist makeover.

Between late 2004 and 2006 the house was renovated for around €500,000 and converted into a museum, financed partly by urban development grants and by funds from the BINGO environmental lottery. The Natureum opened on May 21, 2006, during the Barockfest; more than 1,000 visitors came on the opening day alone. The sponsor is the Naturforschende Gesellschaft Mecklenburg e.V. (Mecklenburg Society of Natural Scientists), which runs the only natural history museum in western Mecklenburg entirely with volunteers. In its first 20 years, around 36,000 guests visited the house.

The permanent exhibition on the first floor shows the nature of West Mecklenburg across five rooms. The specimens come from donations and bequests from society members. On the upper floor there is a room for changing exhibitions, and on the top floor a seminar room for lectures and museum education; the scientific collections are stored in the storerooms.

Highlights

• Rocks and fossils from all geological eras, including a stony meteorite and ichthyosaur remains
• Mammoth and giant deer bones from West Mecklenburg
• Cone collection with over 70 species
• Native birds and mammals as specimens
• Fungus tree with tree fungi and a glacial boulder garden outdoors

Permanent exhibition

• Natur Westmecklenburgs – Permanent exhibition across five rooms on geology, botany, fungi and native wildlife, with specimens, fossils and display panels on regions and naturalists.

Founded

2006

Operated by

Naturforschende Gesellschaft Mecklenburg e. V. (NGM)

Admission & discounts

Accessibility

• Partially 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

The permanent exhibition on the first floor is largely accessible. The special exhibition room is on the second floor, and the event room is on the third floor. An accessible toilet is located in the palace across the way.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

For children's and youth groups there are guided tours of the exhibition, excursions into the palace park, species identification exercises and microscopy in the seminar room.

Getting there & parking

The Natureum is located right next to Ludwigslust Palace.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Sale of the society's publications (e.g. NGM Mitteilungen newsletters). Cafés and restaurants are in the palace and on the Schlossplatz.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The seminar room on the top floor (kitchenette, WC, projection screen, projector) can be used by clubs and associations for meetings and conferences, at €2 per person.

Plan your visit