A. Koenig's Natural History Museum, Bonn

Established in 1934, the Zoological Research Museum was created through the efforts of German naturalist Alexander Koenig, who contributed his vast personal collection of bird and mammal specimens. Located along Bonn’s “Museum Mile” and facing the former presidential residence Villa Hammerschmidt, the building combines classical architectural charm with a contemporary focus on scientific research.

Covering a large exhibition area, the museum invites visitors on an engaging exploration of the planet’s many ecosystems. Its main permanent exhibition, Our Blue Planet – Living in a Network, presents detailed dioramas that transport you through a range of environments-from the African savannah and tropical rainforests to icy polar regions, dry deserts, and familiar European habitats. A highlight is the central hall, where full-scale models-such as zebras gathered at a watering hole, a watchful lion, and a stealthy leopard-bring these scenes vividly to life.

Beyond the public galleries, Museum Koenig is a globally significant research hub, housing one of Germany’s most esteemed natural-history collections. With millions of specimens-ranging from insects and spiders to birds, fish, reptiles, and mammals-it supports cutting-edge research in taxonomy, biodiversity monitoring, conservation, and molecular studies. The museum also holds historical significance in modern Germany, as its main hall was used as the first meeting place of the Parliamentary Council in 1948.