Naturhistorisches Museum Rudolstadt
Natural history museum in the north wing of Heidecksburg palace, with a reconstructed princely natural history cabinet and a display storeroom.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Naturhistorisches Museum traces its origins to the princely natural history cabinet (Fürstliches Naturalienkabinett) of the 18th century, and is housed on the third floor of the north wing of the Heidecksburg residence palace.
Part of the collection is on view as a reconstructed natural history cabinet from 1994: several thousand individual pieces, such as birds in dioramas, insects, minerals, fossils, wet specimens, reptiles, amphibians and plants, show what natural history research looked like in the age of the princes. Since 1994 there has also been a display storeroom, renovated in 2020, which shows birds and mammals from three centuries of taxidermy techniques.
More recently, digital elements have been added, including tablet-based tours and an interactive coral reef built on the coral collection of about 1,000 pieces.
Highlights
- Reconstructed princely natural history cabinet
- Display storeroom with taxidermy from three centuries
- Digital tour with tablets
- Interactive coral reef
- Visible digitization workshop
Permanent exhibitions
- Fürstliches Naturalienkabinett – Reconstruction of an 18th-century princely collection with specimens, minerals, fossils and plants.
- Schaumagazin – Walk-through display of birds and mammals from around the world and three centuries of taxidermy technique.
- Founded
- 1757
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €4Pupils, students up to age 27, Sozialpass holders, people with a severe disability ID (Schwerbehindertenausweis) |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 13 · Children under 14 free. |
| Students & apprentices | €4Also students up to age 27. |
| Guided tour of the special exhibition | €5 |
| Photo/film permit | €3 |
| Group tour (flat rate) | €20Not for school classes. |
| Museum education program (per pupil) | €3 |
The Thuringian family card is accepted. Payment by cash, EC card and credit card.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- Elevator: not available
- 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 museum is on the third floor of the north wing and is reachable only by stairs; there is no elevator. Limited parking spaces for people with disabilities (Schwerbehindertenausweis).
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Bahnhof Rudolstadt (Thür) · 20-min walk
Rudolstadt (Thür) station and the central bus station are close together; from there it is about a 15 to 20 minute walk to Heidecksburg.
By car
Parking available
Parking spaces near the palace; only a few spaces directly at the palace, for people with disabilities.
- Accessible parking
Navigation destination "Schloßstraße", then follow the signs to the palace.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Coat check
- Lockers
Free cloakroom; lockers for a €2 deposit. Backpacks, bags and umbrellas must stay outside the exhibition; dogs are not allowed.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Photo and film permit for a €3 fee. |
| Good to know | Guided tours and museum education offers ("Lernort Museum") can be booked. |
