Fossilien- und Heimatmuseum Messel, museum in Germany

The Fossilien- und Heimatmuseum Messel is housed in the old town hall at Langgasse 2, founded by the Museumsverein Messel e.V. Its exhibits cover the Middle Eocene geology of the Messel Pit with original finds, alongside the local history and economic development of Messel's industries. The displays include reconstructions of the subtropical habitat designed to be accessible to children as well as scientifically accurate.

The museum traces fossil discoveries that began during oil shale mining in the 19th century, with early finds like an ancient alligator in 1876 sparking systematic collection efforts. These remains are now part of a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized for preserving one of the world's most important fossil records.

The museum was founded by the Museumsverein Messel e.V., a volunteer association that runs it with support from the municipality; the idea arose during the campaign to save the Messel Pit from use as a landfill. In 2006 the Landesamt für Denkmalpflege honoured the association for exemplary voluntary work in monument preservation.

The museum occupies the old town hall at Langgasse 2 in Messel, founded and run by the Museumsverein Messel e.V. with support from the municipality. The building is not wheelchair accessible, so visitors with mobility needs should plan accordingly. Exhibits are laid out across the former municipal rooms, with reconstructions of the subtropical habitat placed alongside the original fossil displays.

The museum's fossil collection stems from the fight to save the Messel Pit from becoming a landfill; the idea for the museum arose during that campaign. In 2006 the Landesamt für Denkmalpflege awarded the Museumsverein Messel e.V. for exemplary volunteer work in monument preservation. The displays include reconstructions of the subtropical habitat designed to be understandable for children as well as adults.