Naturkundemuseum Bamberg

Current exhibitions

About the museum

The impetus came from Prince-Bishop Franz Ludwig von Erthal: he established a chair of natural history at the University of Bamberg and, from 1791, had a natural history cabinet set up in the north wing of the former Jesuit college. His court architect designed a two-story hall for it with a surrounding gallery, carvings, and built-in display cases. When the prince-bishop died in 1795, however, the cabinet was still unfinished.

After secularization in 1803, Dionysius Linder, a former Benedictine monk from Banz, donated the collection of his dissolved monastery and ran the cabinet until his death in 1838. Under him and his successor Andreas Haupt, the holdings grew so much that further rooms were added; the mounted birds were concentrated in the large hall, which gave rise to the name “Vogelsaal” (Bird Hall).

The hall has been a listed monument since the 1970s and was comprehensively restored from 2008 to 2010, based on its appearance in the early 19th century. The museum is run by the Lyzeumstiftung Bamberg; since 1988 the Staatliche Naturwissenschaftliche Sammlungen Bayerns (Bavarian Natural History Collections) have provided its scientific supervision.

Today the collections comprise around 200,000 objects. Alongside the Vogelsaal as a “museum within the museum,” modern permanent exhibitions present natural history topics with a regional focus, for example fossils from the museum's own excavations in Wattendorf in Upper Franconia and a new dinosaur hall, complemented by changing special exhibitions.

Highlights

• Historic Vogelsaal – natural history cabinet in early Neoclassical style
• Dinosaur hall with pterosaur and Europasaurus
• Fossils from the museum's own excavations in the Wattendorf limestone
• Around 200,000 collection objects, with roots going back to 1791
• Changing special exhibitions, including “Glanzlichter der Naturfotografie” (nature photography highlights)

Permanent exhibitions

• Vogelsaal – Historic natural history cabinet from around 1800 with a gallery, carved display cases, and thousands of mounted birds – a “museum within the museum.”
• Sauriersaal – New hall with a pterosaur and the dwarf sauropod Europasaurus, offering an interactive journey back in time to the tropical islands of Jurassic Europe.

Founded

1791

Operated by

Lyzeumstiftung Bamberg (wissenschaftliche Betreuung: Staatliche Naturwissenschaftliche Sammlungen Bayerns)

Director

Oliver Wings

Admission & discounts

Prices valid from January 1, 2026; prices may vary for some special exhibitions. Discounted annual passes and a reduction with the Ferienpass (holiday pass) (prices not online). Payment in cash or by EC debit card.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• 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

According to the museum, currently not suitable for wheelchair users; a stairlift that has already been installed is due to go into operation in the coming months.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Kids’ birthday parties

Individually designed themed tours after registration, also for kindergarten groups, children's birthday parties and family celebrations. Family tickets and holiday pass discounts.

Getting there & parking

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

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

Sold at the ticket desk: natural history publications, postcards, gift vouchers, fossils, and minerals. Service: advice on pest insects and identification of finds.

Events & venue rental

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

Plan your visit