State Museum of Natural History Karlsruhe

The State Museum of Natural History Karlsruhe is a natural history museum that displays collections of geology, paleontology, and native plant species. The exhibitions spread across multiple floors in different halls, presenting substantial holdings in these scientific fields.

The museum began in 1785 from the natural history collection of Landgravine Caroline Louise of Hesse-Darmstadt, who established the foundation for the institution. That original collection shaped the focus and holdings that remain visible in the exhibitions today.

The museum preserves collections that shape how people understand nature and reveal how different habitats connect to one another. Visitors can see how various species live together and depend on each other in their natural environments.

The museum is accessible on most days during morning and afternoon hours, allowing visitors easy access through the different floors. The facilities make it possible to explore all exhibition areas comfortably and spend time discovering the collections.

The institution houses one of the largest living coral reef systems in Europe within a specially built facility containing millions of liters of water. Residents such as blacktip reef sharks are part of this artificial ecosystem that is continuously maintained and studied.

Location: Karlsruhe

Inception: 1785

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Operator: Land Baden-Württemberg

Opening Hours: Tuesday-Friday 09:30-17:00; Saturday, Sunday, Holidays 10:00-18:00

Website: http://smnk.de

GPS coordinates: 49.00730,8.40030

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:44