Naturkunde-Museum (Natural History Museum), Bamberg

The Natural History Museum in Bamberg offers a captivating glimpse into the natural wonders of the region through its exhibits displayed within historic rooms. In addition to its permanent displays, the museum also features spaces for changing exhibitions, ensuring that visitors can always expect something new and exciting.

The origins of the museum can be traced back to 1791 when Prince Bishop Franz Ludwig von Erthal von Bamberg established it as a natural history cabinet. The primary objective of this initiative was to document, gather, categorize, and study the biology and geology of the Bamberg Bishopric. Initially, the museum was housed within the university, specifically in the Jesuit College located in the island city. It still occupies the same premises today. During its early years, the museum primarily catered to professors and students at the university, with a focus on scholarly pursuits rather than appealing to the general public.

One of the unique attractions within the museum is the Vogelsaal, the only preserved museum showroom from the 19th century. This hall, completed in 1810, originally served as a lecture hall for professors and students. Its design and layout were more aligned with the academic standards of the time, rather than conforming to contemporary museum pedagogical concepts. The Vogelsaal, or Bird Hall, is essentially a museum within a museum, where the bird collection takes center stage. The lower floor showcases European and exotic birds, while the gallery on the upper level presents an array of invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, exotic songbirds, mammals, and botanical specimens.