Naturkundemuseum Reutlingen

About the museum

The museum's origins go back to the Naturwissenschaftlicher Verein (natural science society) founded in Reutlingen in 1884. Until the early 20th century, its members assembled extensive natural history collections, which were shown first in the Spitalhof and from the 1890s in the Spendhaus.

After World War II, the holdings passed to the city of Reutlingen. When the Spendhaus was converted into an art museum, the collection had to move; since 1998 it has been housed in the renovated half-timbered building of the Altes Lyzeum on the Weibermarkt, which was built after the city fire of 1728.

On three floors, the permanent exhibition explains the landscape, subsurface and living world of the region: from the Jurassic bedrock and the Swabian Volcano to orchard meadows and the juniper heaths of the Alb. Dioramas are complemented by media and hands-on stations, on the first floor for example on volcanoes, earthquakes and plate tectonics.

In addition to the permanent exhibition, special exhibitions, lectures, geological excursions and an extensive children's program characterize the museum's work.

Highlights

• Fossils from the Reutlingen Jurassic, including a large marine crocodile
• Media station on volcanoes, earthquakes and plate tectonics
• The Swabian Volcano and the geology of the Alb
• Orchard meadow and juniper heath habitats
• Half-timbered house from 1728 in the old town

Permanent exhibitions

• Natur der Region Reutlingen – Permanent exhibition on three floors on Earth history, rocks, fossils and the animal and plant world around Reutlingen and the Swabian Alb.

Operated by

Stadt Reutlingen

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Instead of a fixed admission fee, the museum asks for a voluntary contribution of your choosing – for permanent and special exhibitions. Anyone arriving with a same-day bwtarif ticket or Deutschland-Ticket receives a poster of the current special exhibition free at the reception.

Accessibility

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

Assistance dogs with identification or proof are permitted.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

Children's program for ages 4–6 and 7–9 (usually Fridays, €2 per child, registration required). Children's birthday parties on topics from the quarterly program, registration at least 14 days in advance. The exhibition has interactive stations.

Getting there & parking

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

Amenities & dining

• Lockers

Backpacks and larger bags are not allowed in the exhibition; lockers are available in limited numbers only.

Events & venue rental

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

Plan your visit