The Natural History Museum of Bern

Its historical dioramas of native and African animals are unlike any others in Europe and have earned the institution its international reputation. Bern’s oldest museum has also made a name for itself with socially relevant special exhibitions, such as «Queer – Diversity is in our Nature» and «Insect Decline – It's Going to be All Right». 

Barry, the world-famous rescue dog to whom the museum dedicates his own exhibition, is one of its most famous artifacts. The impressive giant crystals from the Planggenstock and the Cabinet of Curiosities, in which part of the «wet collection» can be seen, are also unique. 

The Natural History Museum of Bern is a truly family-oriented museum with many exciting and educational attractions and exhibits. Unconventional cultural events, such as the «Bar of Dead Animals», attract young and old alike.

The museum collection comprises around 6.5 million objects in total. The collection not only represents the heart of the museum: it also serves as a key starting point for the museum’s own research departments. The institution, which sits within the Burgergemeinde Bern, works closely with the University of Bern to carry out this research.