Geologisch-Paläontologisches Museum (Geological-Paleontological Museum), Munster

If you're planning a visit to Munster, be sure to explore the Geomuseum of the University of Munster (Geomuseum der Universität Münster), formerly known for over 150 years as the Geological-Paleontological Museum (Geologisch‑Paläontologisches Museum). Housed in the elegant baroque Landsbergsche Kurie (built 1703‑07), this heritage‑listed palace sits in the heart of the Altstadt, right between Cathedral Square (Domplatz) and Aegidii Market (Aegidiimarkt).

Founded in 1824 as a combined mineralogical and zoological collection, the museum evolved into Westphalia’s premier geological and paleontological repository. Over nearly two centuries, its holdings expanded dramatically-from about 5,500 objects at inception to more than 30,000 today. In 2007, the mineralogy and geology exhibits were reunited in a comprehensive overhaul. After major renovations, the museum reopened in August 2023 under the unified name “Geomuseum,” integrating fossils, rocks, minerals, and interactive displays under one roof.

The permanent exhibition offers a sweeping narrative of planetary and biological history-“Vom Urknall bis Westfalen” (from the Big Bang to Westphalia). Regional paleontological treasures such as Cretaceous fish from the Baumberge, Ice Age mammal remains from local caves and quarries, and a rare Iguanodon specimen are on show. Highlights include displays of trilobites from the Cambrian, Paleozoic corals, Inoceramidae clams, and the star of the collection-a fully articulated woolly mammoth skeleton that draws enthusiastic visitor acclaim.

The museum experience is free and enriched with educational installations, multimedia interfaces, and even a “Geo‑Kino” in the oldest historic lecture hall of the university. You’ll find fossils, minerals, and interactive exhibits across different rooms-in the beautifully restored baroque setting-with plenty of space to linger and learn.

For families, students of natural history, or anyone curious about Earth’s evolution-and especially its Westphalian chapters-this museum offers a rich blend of local heritage and global geology.