Evolutionsmuseet

About the museum

The collections of the Evolutionsmuseet go back to the 17th century, when private donors gave objects to Uppsala University. Among the early donors were Queen Lovisa Ulrika and Carl von Linné (Carl Linnaeus). The collections have since been used in teaching at the university. The present museum was formed in 1999, when the university merged its earlier natural science museums, and the operation is part of the Evolutionsbiologiskt centrum (Centre for Evolutionary Biology).

The museum is housed in two buildings that are open to the public. The Zoologen at Villavägen 9 was built in 1917 and houses the zoological collections with more than 5,000 stuffed animals. The Paleontologen at Norbyvägen 22 was built in 1929 and shows, among other things, one of the world's largest permanent exhibitions of Chinese dinosaurs outside China, the mineral cabinet and the exhibition Ursprung (Origin) on the evolution of humankind. The buildings have been nationally protected listed buildings since 1993.

The collections comprise more than five million objects, but only a small part is shown to visitors. Among them are the largest collection of real dinosaur skeletons in the Nordic countries and the only known specimen in the world of the sauropod Euhelopus zdanskyi. The museum also carries out research and receives school classes.

Highlights

• The largest collection of real dinosaur skeletons in the Nordic countries
• Euhelopus zdanskyi – the only known specimen in the world
• More than 5,000 stuffed animals in the Zoologen
• The exhibition Ursprung on the evolution of humankind
• The mineral cabinet with crystals and meteorites

Permanent exhibitions

• Paleontologiska utställningen – Ancient life preserved as fossils, with the largest collection of real dinosaur skeletons in the Nordic countries, the world's only specimen of the sauropod Euhelopus zdanskyi, and trilobites, cephalopods, snails and corals.
• Zoologiska utställningen – A journey across the world's continents, from the polar regions to the tropics, with more than 5,000 stuffed animals and skeletons and anatomical preparations.
• Ursprung – An exhibition on human evolution that takes visitors to Africa, where several early human species lived side by side, with Homo habilis, Homo erectus and Homo sapiens, and a family tree.

Founded

1999

Operated by

Uppsala universitet

Visitors per year

approx. 20,540 (2015)

Admission & discounts

Free admission also for members of DIK, ICOM, UMI and Riksförbundet Sveriges museer, and for the press on presentation of a credential, and for certain gift cards. Payment by major credit card, Swish or cash.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• 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

Both buildings have step-free entrances with a ramp and automatic door (Paleontologi on the north side, Zoologi at the front), and all floors are reached by lift. Accessible toilets are on floors 0 and 1. Assistance dogs at work are welcome; other animals may not be brought in.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Baby changing facilities

Free admission for children and young people up to and including 17, and schools and preschools can book programmes. Changing tables are on floors 0 and 1 of the Paleontologi and on floor 0 of the Zoologi. The café in the Paleontologi can warm baby food.

Getting there & parking

Both buildings are within walking distance of the Botanical Garden, Uppsala Castle and the city centre.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

A small café is on floor 1 of the Paleontologi, where baby food can be warmed. The museum shop at Norbyvägen 22 can be visited without an entrance ticket. Visitors can connect to Uppsala University's guest network.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Corporate events can be booked via info@em.uu.se or by telephone.

Plan your visit