Basel
Natural history & fossils

Naturhistorisches Museum Basel

Plan your journey through Basel's premier collection of zoology, minerals, and dinosaurs.

NatureScienceHistoryLocal heritage

Explore the diverse archives of life through extensive collections covering natural history and Earth's heritage. The museum hosts engaging permanent exhibitions, scientific research displays, and immersive public events for all ages.

Basel's natural history museum features extensive collections, Earth history exhibits, and active scientific research.

Naturhistorisches Museum Basel
Inside the Naturhistorisches Museum Basel

The Naturhistorisches Museum Basel serves as a custodian of the archives of life, preserving vast collections spanning Earth's history. Located in Basel, this institution combines active scientific research with public education. Visitors can explore diverse permanent exhibitions, interactive displays, and a dedicated preparation studio.

Exterior facade of the Naturhistorisches Museum Basel showing a classical yellow building with white stone columns, decorative frieze, blue banners, and bicycles parked along the cobblestone street
Naturhistorisches Museum Basel opening hours in Basel

Check today’s opening status, weekly schedule, and special date changes for Naturhistorisches Museum Basel. Use these opening hours to plan your arrival and avoid closed times in Basel.

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
-
10:00-17:00
10:00-17:00
10:00-17:00
10:00-17:00
10:00-17:00
10:00-17:00
Naturhistorisches Museum Basel Admission & Tickets

Visiting the Naturhistorisches Museum Basel in Basel involves a mixed admission structure with distinct options for permanent and special exhibitions. Standard adult tickets are available for both exhibition types, while children under 13 years old enjoy free entry. Reduced-rate tickets are offered to teenagers under 20, disabled visitors, and students or trainees under 30 with valid identification.

Special Exhibition - Adults
CHF 19.00
Special Exhibition - Teenagers (under 20)
CHF 9.00

Under 20 years old

Special Exhibition - Students / Trainees
CHF 9.00

Under 30 years old with valid student/trainee ID

Family visits at the Naturhistorisches Museum Basel

The Naturhistorisches Museum Basel provides a welcoming environment for families to explore natural history through its permanent scientific exhibitions. Young visitors under 13 enjoy free admission to these collections. Detailed resources are available for parents and daycare groups to help coordinate and plan an engaging visit to the museum.

The Natural History Museum Basel is a family-friendly destination offering permanent exhibitions on nature and natural sciences.

Why families will enjoy it

  • Family and children-friendly atmosphere
  • Free admission for children under 13
  • Dedicated resources for daycare groups

Activities and resources for children

Naturhistorisches Museum Basel Location & Orientation

The Naturhistorisches Museum Basel is situated on Augustinergasse in the historic Altstadt Grossbasel neighborhood of Basel. Located in the heart of the old town, this central position makes it an easy addition to a day of exploring the city's rich cultural landmarks. Visitors can use the map to orient themselves before heading out to explore the museum's extensive Earth history exhibits.

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Augustinergasse 2

4051 Basel

Altstadt Grossbasel, Basel-Stadt, CH

The Natural World at Naturhistorisches Museum Basel

The Naturhistorisches Museum Basel serves as an active custodian of the archives of life, preserving extensive scientific collections in Basel's Altstadt Grossbasel. Visitors of all ages can engage with interactive displays that cover Earth's history, zoology, geology, palaeontology, and anthropology. Beyond the permanent natural history exhibitions, the museum provides a rare glimpse into ongoing research through its dedicated preparation studio. From local minerals to dinosaur specimens, the collections support scientific inquiry while inspiring public education.

Exterior facade of the Naturhistorisches Museum Basel showing the main entrance with MUSEUM signage, ornate golden doors, pink and green banners, potted palm trees, and bicycles parked outside

The History of Naturhistorisches Museum Basel

The Naturhistorisches Museum Basel traces its origins back to 1821, when it was established as a natural history collection. Officially recognized as a **Swiss heritage site of national significance**, the museum preserves invaluable scientific records. Key additions to its collection include the mummy of Anna Catharina Bischoff, recovered in 1975. In 1984, the museum also acquired the skeleton of Theo the Pipe Smoker, which was discovered in Basel's Kleinbasel district.

  • Established as a natural history collection in 1821

    1821Founding

    The museum trace its origins back to 1821, when it was initially established as a natural history collection in Basel, Switzerland.

  • Discovery of the Anna Catharina Bischoff mummy in 1975

    1975Collection

    The museum holds the mummy of Anna Catharina Bischoff, which was recovered during archaeological excavations at the Barfüsserkirche in Basel in 1975.

  • Discovery of Theo the Pipe Smoker in 1984

    1984Collection

    In 1984, the museum added the skeleton of the individual known as Theo the Pipe Smoker to its collection following its discovery near the Theodorskirche in the Kleinbasel district.

  • Designated as a Swiss heritage site of national significance

    Heritage status

    The Natural History Museum of Basel is officially recognized and listed as a heritage site of national significance in the Swiss inventory of cultural property.

Naturhistorisches Museum Basel FAQ: Quick Tips & Practical Answers

Wondering when to visit the fossils or how to slip in for free? While the Naturhistorisches Museum Basel stays closed on Mondays, you can explore permanent exhibits for free during the final opening hour from Tuesday to Saturday. Check our quick FAQs to plan your pocket-friendly trip to this Basel highlight.

Is Naturhistorisches Museum Basel open on Mondays?

No, Naturhistorisches Museum Basel is closed on Mondays.

What are the weekend opening hours for Naturhistorisches Museum Basel?

Naturhistorisches Museum Basel is open on weekends, Saturday and Sunday, from 10:00 to 17:00.

What are the opening hours of Naturhistorisches Museum Basel?

Naturhistorisches Museum Basel is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00. The museum is closed on Mondays.

Does Naturhistorisches Museum Basel have special opening hours?

There are no listed special opening hours or holiday closures at this time. The museum follows its regular weekly schedule.

Naturhistorisches Museum Basel Exterior & Gallery Preview

Preview the historic home of the Naturhistorisches Museum Basel in Basel, housed in a neoclassical building with a classical yellow facade, elegant stone columns, and ornate entrance doors. These images showcase the impressive exterior, setting the stage for the extensive natural history, zoological, and Earth science exhibitions waiting to be explored inside.

Exterior facade of the Naturhistorisches Museum Basel showing a classical yellow building with white stone columns, decorative frieze, blue banners, and bicycles parked along the cobblestone street
Exterior facade of the Naturhistorisches Museum Basel showing the main entrance with MUSEUM signage, ornate golden doors, pink and green banners, potted palm trees, and bicycles parked outside
Exterior facade of the Naturhistorisches Museum Basel showing the entrance with MUSEUM inscription, blue and pink vertical banners, parked bicycles, and potted palm trees on cobblestone pavement
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