10 Things to Do in Bern Natural History Museum (Naturhistorisches Museum), Bern, Switzerland
The Bern Natural History Museum (Naturhistorisches Museum) is a world-class museum located in the Swiss capital of Bern. It is one of the oldest and largest natural history museums in Europe, and it houses a vast collection of natural history artifacts, including fossils, minerals, and taxidermy specimens. The museum also offers a variety of interactive exhibits and activities for visitors of all ages. Here are 10 things to do at the Bern Natural History Museum.
1. Explore the Fossil Collection: The museum's fossil collection contains over 1.5 million specimens, ranging from the Cambrian period to the present day. Visitors can explore a wide variety of fossils, including those of dinosaurs, mammals, fish, reptiles, and invertebrates.
2. Visit the Mineral Gallery: The museum's mineral gallery is home to more than 30,000 specimens, ranging from common minerals to rare and exotic specimens. Visitors can learn about the geological history of the Earth and explore the unique properties of minerals.
3. Learn About Taxidermy: The museum's taxidermy collection contains over 10,000 specimens, ranging from small birds to large mammals. Visitors can learn about the process of taxidermy, as well as the different techniques used to create lifelike specimens.
4. Explore the Insect Collection: The museum's insect collection contains over 100,000 specimens, ranging from common insects to rare and exotic species. Visitors can learn about the biology and behavior of insects, as well as the different methods used to study them.
5. Visit the Botanical Garden: The museum's botanical garden is home to a variety of plants, including trees, shrubs, and flowers. Visitors can explore the garden and learn about the different species of plants.
6. Check Out the Aquarium: The museum's aquarium is home to a variety of aquatic creatures, ranging from fish to amphibians. Visitors can learn about the biology and behavior of aquatic animals, as well as the different methods used to study them.
7. View the Planetarium: The museum's planetarium offers visitors a chance to explore the night sky. Visitors can learn about the stars, planets, and galaxies, as well as the history of astronomy.
8. Visit the Prehistoric Hall: The museum's Prehistoric Hall is home to a variety of artifacts from the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods. Visitors can learn about the lives of prehistoric people, as well as the tools and weapons they used.
9. Take a Tour of the Museum: The museum offers a variety of guided tours, ranging from general tours to specialized tours. Visitors can learn about the history of the museum, as well as the different exhibits and artifacts on display.
10. Attend a Lecture or Workshop: The museum offers a variety of lectures and workshops, ranging from general topics to specialized topics. Visitors can learn about the latest research in natural history, as well as the different methods used to study it.