Geiseltalmuseum, Paleontological museum in Halle (Saale), Germany.
The Geiseltalmuseum is a paleontological collection in Halle dedicated to fossils from the Geiseltal region. It houses approximately 50,000 specimens from the Middle Eocene period, including the remains of vertebrates, invertebrates, and plants that lived millions of years ago.
The museum was founded in 1934 by the director of the Geological-Paleontological Institute at Martin Luther University to preserve scientific findings from the region. This establishment marked the beginning of systematic collection and scholarly management of these paleontological treasures.
The museum occupies a chapel within the New Residence, a 16th-century building that once served religious purposes. The space today blends its historic setting with the display of ancient natural history, creating an unusual mix of sacred architecture and fossil exploration.
The museum is located at Domstrasse 5 and requires advance appointment booking for visits. Contact the institution by email or telephone to arrange a suitable time and confirm access details.
The collection includes rare plant fossils with preserved chlorophyll traces, offering clues about the chemical makeup of vegetation from millions of years ago. Notable specimens also showcase early horses, crocodiles, and beetles whose remains have survived intact from that distant period.
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