Phyletic Museum, Natural history museum in Jena, Germany.
The Phyletic Museum is a natural history museum in Jena housing extensive zoological and paleontological collections. The displays document the evolution of multicellular animals through numerous scientific specimens gathered over centuries of research and collecting.
Ernst Haeckel founded the museum in 1907 and donated it to the University of Jena in 1908 to mark the institution's 350th anniversary. The museum grew from Haeckel's dedication to evolution research and became an important teaching resource for the sciences.
The building showcases Art Nouveau decorative elements, including the Tree of Life motif that was carefully restored over time. These ornamental details create a visual connection between the scientific purpose and artistic craftsmanship that visitors notice throughout the interior.
The museum is easy to navigate with collections displayed across multiple floors in a logical arrangement. Allow at least two hours for a complete visit to properly view all the exhibition areas and specimens.
The collection includes specimens dating back to the 18th century and remains the research foundation for the university's Institute of Special Zoology and Evolutionary Biology. This ongoing scientific role means the museum functions as an active research center rather than just displaying historical material.
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