Darwineum

Darwineum is a modern building within Rostock Zoo featuring a large tropical hall where gorillas, orangutans, sloths, and various primates live in environments designed to match their natural habitats. Visitors walk on elevated bridges and view the animals through large windows as they move through different sections.

The building opened in 2012 as a major expansion of Rostock Zoo and takes its name from naturalist Charles Darwin. It marked an important moment in the zoo's growth as one of the major zoological institutions on Germany's Baltic coast.

The exhibition space presents eight themed sections exploring evolution from the Big Bang to modern mammals through interactive displays, touchscreens, and fossil collections.

The best viewing spots are the windows along the walkways where you can see the animals up close. Plan to spend several hours exploring all the sections and taking time to also visit other parts of the zoo.

Giant Galapagos tortoises greet visitors in the entrance hall, connecting directly to Darwin's scientific journey that led to evolutionary theory development.

Location: Rostock

Official opening: September 7, 2012

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Part of: Rostock Zoo

Website: http://darwineum-zoo-rostock.de

GPS coordinates: 54.07910,12.07750

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:53