Naturhistorisches Museum, Basel, covering an area of 3000 square meters, is considered to be the largest museum of natural history with its eight million exhibits. These exhibits belong to different spheres and time of natural science history. It is situated in the old part of Basel in a former monastery, created by St. Augustine.
History of the Museum
Naturhistorisches Museum, Basel, was built in 1821 and was previously known as Naturkundliches Museum. The architect who built the museum was known as Melchior Berri. The building is divided into libraries, showrooms and demonstration room. Since 1821, the museum had been involved into a lot of research work, both in biological and geological areas.
Mission of the Museum
The exotic museum not only displays objects but also encourages research work on various aspects of natural science. Their objective is to encourage all those who are interested to discover nature in its myriad colors. The museum carries on research programs on a national and international basis which helps in knowledge exchange between various people around the world and also preserves their research inferences for the future.
Collection of the Museum
The exhibits of the museum range from paleontology to zoology, from entomology to mineralogy and objects from anthropology. The vast range of exhibits appeals to both children and adults. The museum has existed for over 300 years and has held an esteemed position in the world with its extensive collection of objects of natural science. The oldest object dates back to 1661. The collection is classified into two groups. They are:
- Bioscientific Collection - Under the bio-scientific collection large number of animals are preserved which belong to the rezenten group.
- Geoscientific Collection - This collection contains objects of anthropology, mineralogy and paleontology.
Exhibitions Held in the Museum
There are various kinds of exhibitions held in the museum. The exhibitions are divided into four groups. They are:
- Permanent Exhibitions - The museum holds permanent exhibitions. Birds, both native and international, mammals, tiger, butterfly, fish, reptiles and fossils of dinosaurs are displayed inside the museum.
- Special Exhibitions - This is held to explore the deep sea. The vast stretch of blue sea stores numerous animals and fish. This exhibition endeavors to bring those in front of one's eyes.
- Past Exhibitions - This section focuses on the past exhibitions which were held in the museum. Exhibitions like Theo the Pipe Smoker, Variety of Life, Mathematics Experience were successfully held in the museum in the past few years.
- Outer Onessetellung in the Hochparterre - This exhibition brings into the forefront the discoveries made in the last few years in the mineral section in Switzerland. Around 64 types of minerals have been discovered by the Swiss people in the past few years. All these minerals are kept in the exhibition.
Research Programs in the Museum
Research programs have been taken up by the museum to discover the process of formation of various geological and biological objects. The formation of rocks and minerals are studied extensively through the research works. The research work is done on a large scale. There are different research programs. The evolution of various creatures is being studied under the life science research program.
Timings of Museum
The museum remains open through out the weekdays. The time is from 10 am to 5 pm.
Admission Fees
For the permanent exhibition the fee is CHF 7. For the Special exhibition the entry fee is CHF 14.
