Natural History Museum

Overview

Nestled within the vibrant cultural landscape of Graz, Austria, the Natural History Museum is a captivating sub-spot of the renowned Universalmuseum Joanneum. It serves as a comprehensive gateway to understanding the natural world, focusing on the rich natural history of Styria while also exploring global connections. Through its extensive collections, the museum invites visitors on an immersive journey through approximately 500 million years of Earth's history, showcasing the incredible diversity of flora, fauna, rocks, and fossils.

Since its contemporary redesign in 2013, the museum, located in the historic Alten Joanneum within the Joanneumsviertel, presents its vast treasures in a modern and engaging format. It skillfully blends historical exhibits with interactive multimedia installations, making complex scientific concepts accessible and exciting for all ages.

History & Cultural Background

The Natural History Museum's roots are deeply intertwined with the Universalmuseum Joanneum, a venerable institution founded by Archduke Johann in 1811. This makes the Universalmuseum Joanneum Austria's oldest museum and one of Central Europe's largest universal museums, reflecting Archduke Johann's pioneering vision for education and scientific research.

The natural science departments, which now form the core of the Natural History Museum, were integral to the Joanneum from its inception. Archduke Johann's personal collection of minerals, for instance, formed a significant foundation for what would become an impressive mineralogical display. While the scientific departments moved their research and care facilities to a dedicated center in Graz-Andritz in 2009, the exhibition center in the Joanneumsviertel underwent a significant revitalization. The renovation transformed former storage areas into accessible exhibition spaces, allowing a broader display of the museum's profound collections.

What Makes It Special

The Natural History Museum distinguishes itself through the sheer scale and scientific importance of its collections, boasting over 2.1 million objects. This includes an astounding 1.1 million animal specimens, 650,000 plants and fungi, 200,000 rocks and fossils, and 100,000 minerals. Visitors can marvel at spectacular finds such as mammoths, cave bears, and an array of rare crystals.

One particularly notable highlight is the historical mineral collection, where the renowned mineralogist Friedrich Mohs developed his still-valid scale of mineral hardness. The museum also features a breathtaking 31-meter-long picture cycle by Fritz Messner, which visually narrates Earth's history from its origins to the present day, with a special emphasis on the Styrian region. Another unique artifact is the historical, six by six-meter Relief of Styria from around 1900, which has been brought to life with modern interactive technology. The museum's interactive approach, exemplified by 'workbenches' in each room, encourages active engagement and curiosity among both young and adult visitors. Furthermore, the adjacent CoSA (Center of Science Activities) complements the museum's offerings with experimental and augmented reality elements, fostering a dynamic learning environment.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

Imagine Archduke Johann, whose personal passion for natural sciences led to the very foundation of these remarkable collections. His early mineral acquisitions laid the groundwork for what would become an unparalleled exhibit. A fascinating aspect of the museum is its commitment to preserving historical presentation methods. Unlike many modern natural history museums, it retains historical rooms featuring original 19th-century mineral classification systems based on Tschermak, offering a rare glimpse into past scientific practices.

Among its many treasures is a specimen of the Giant Auk (Pinguinus impennis), a seabird driven to extinction by human activity in the mid-19th century. Only a few dozen preparations of this bird exist worldwide, and one is carefully preserved here. The museum also features objects linked to famous figures like Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who described some of its minerals, and unique glass models of squid created by the renowned Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka. Visitors might also recognize the 'Water Pine' or the 'display mine' – historically popular objects that have been lovingly restored and are back on show, rekindling memories for many Styrians who visited in their youth.

Visitor Perspective

A visit to the Natural History Museum in Graz is much more than just viewing static displays; it's an exciting exploration through time and nature. You'll gain fascinating insights into how landscapes are formed, evolve, and change, and how living organisms continuously adapt to these transformations.

The museum's modern exhibition design, complete with interactive elements and multimedia stations, ensures an engaging experience for everyone, from curious children to seasoned natural history enthusiasts. It encourages visitors to connect with the natural world around them and fosters a deeper appreciation for biodiversity and environmental issues like climate change. With its accessible layout and a commitment to sparking curiosity, the museum offers a stimulating and educational outing in the heart of Graz.