Westfälisches Museum für Naturkunde (Westphalian Museum of Natural History), Munster

The Westphalian Museum of Natural History combines a state natural history museum with a full-scale planetarium, making it one of Germany’s most distinctive cultural venues. The modern building, opened in 1981, offers about 4,200 square meters of exhibition space plus an open museum courtyard and impressive outdoor features such as a geological timeline path.

Step into the foyer and encounter one of the museum’s most striking highlights: the world’s largest ammonite fossil, measuring approximately 1.80 meters in diameter. This remarkable specimen sets the tone for the museum’s expansive collection. Inside, visitors can explore permanent exhibitions that include life-sized dinosaur models and a regional ecology display, which traces the evolution of Westphalian flora and fauna over time, particularly in the context of climate change.

One of the museum’s highlights is its planetarium, updated in 2010 and modernized further in 2022. With its 20-meter dome and seating for around 225 visitors, it delivers one of the sharpest, climate-controlled immersive sky experiences in Europe. Shows include astral fulldome films and musical journeys, perfect for all ages, regardless of the weather.

Beyond exhibits, the museum hosts research centers like the Biological Station at Heiliges Meer, the Kahler Asten outpost, and a palaeontological heritage preservation department. Its collections house over 2.3 million specimens, including insects, vertebrates, fossils, minerals, and botanical archives - the largest natural history collection in Westphalia.

Whether you're drawn by dinosaurs, curious about local biodiversity, or ready to disappear into the stars, the Westphalian Museum of Natural History promises a fascinating, educational experience right at Munster’s scenic edge.