Biotopia, Natural history museum in Uppsala, Sweden
Biotopia is a natural history museum in Uppsala that displays regional wildlife in realistic settings. The exhibitions present moose, pool frogs, and black grouse in diorama-style scenes that recreate their natural habitats from the Uppland landscape.
The museum was founded in 1910 by naturalist Gustav Kolthoff and became an important center for natural sciences. Following major renovations, it reopened in 2007 with contemporary display technology.
The name Biotopia, adopted after the 2007 renovation, replaced Biologiska museet. The diorama backdrops were painted by Kjell Kolthoff, son of conservator Gustaf Kolthoff, who also created the displays. Vasaparken was originally planted in three botanical zones — Norrland, Svealand and Götaland — a division now lost.
The museum stands in Vasaparken next to Vasahuset and Ekonomikum, beside Katedralskolan, a short walk from Uppsala University. The 1910 main building keeps most of its exterior and Jugend interior; the newer section opened on 19 October 2007. The caretaker's house just south of the museum dates from the same period and mixes Jugend and National Romantic styles.
The Biolab area offers hands-on activities such as microscopy and bird feeder construction workshops. These practical experiences allow visitors to engage directly with science in action.
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