In the central atrium of the Museum für Naturkunde, fossils of plants and animals from the late Jurassic are on display. Many of the exhibits were brought here from one of the most significant palaeontological expeditions to Tendaguru Hill in what is now Tanzania. Between 1909 and 1913, scientists of the Museum, led by palaeontologist Werner E. M. Janensch (1878-1969), found approximately 230 tonnes of bones – the most successful dinosaur excavation of all time. To this day, much of the Museum’s research has been focusing on these finds.

The dinosaur skeletons from Tendaguru are complemented by plants and animals from other fossil sites, such as the world-famous Solnhofen limestone. The original Berlin specimen of the primaeval bird Archaeopteryx lithographica is a particular highlight. It is displayed in a state-of-the-art security display cabinet that provides an ideal environment to preserve the fossil as well as allowing scientists to study it.

Interactive telescopes, called Jurascopes, show visitors in a step-by-step animation how the original skeletons in the exhibition turn into live animals.

Please note: In the dinosaur exhibitions realistic animated films with hunting scenes among dinosaurs are screened, which might terrify children.