Knowledge & culture

Natural History Museum Neuchâtel

A museum to win over younger and older naturalists alike

The Natural History Museum is located in the heart of the city of Neuchâtel and deals with geology, zoology, botany and the formation and history of our earth. With an exciting permanent exhibition and interesting temporary exhibitions, it awakens interest in natural research in its visitors and conveys scientifically sound facts in an entertaining way. An adventurous journey back in time, especially for children.

You can travel quickly and easily to Neuchâtel by public transport. The museum is located in the city centre and is easily accessible on foot from the station.

Highlights

111 Windows on Nature (Dioramas)

The dioramas take you on a journey into the local animal world. The precise posture of the animals, the lifelike reproduction of their habitats and the rendition of bird calls, enable you to take a voyage of discovery into the natural world of the canton of Neuchâtel.

The Cabinet of Curiosities

Would you like to know why the museum pieces look so alive? Learn how the exhibits are processed and preserved in the Cabinet of Curiosities. Around 60 exhibits give you an insight into the work of the museum and invite you to think critically.

Insect Hall

They are enemies or allies of the gardener, stowaways, intruders, pollinators.... Insects can take on many roles. They make up more than 80% of all known animal species and are found in numerous habitats. Small or large, beautiful or fearsome, the insects on display in this room provide a better understanding of their ecosystems.

Geology room

Discover 4.5 billion years of Earth's history through a unique collection of fossils and minerals.

Special exhibition

Special exhibition until 11 August 2024

Fossil plateosaurs from the largest deposits in Switzerland and Europe are being brought together for the first time! The dinosaur museum in Frick (Aargau) has provided extraordinary loans, including "XL", a gigantic specimen over 8 meters long and more than 200 million years old.

The exhibition is a walk through complete or partial specimens, specially created works of art and novel interactive devices.

The exhibits are divided into seven sections and lift the veil on the Triassic geological period from 252 to 201 million years ago. The exhibition invites you to "experience Plateosaurus" and feel the size of this giant to the point of thrill!