The University of Zurich has united its four natural science museums into the Natural History Museum of the University of Zurich. This museum fosters appreciation and curiosity for the beauty and diversity of nature while showcasing cutting-edge research. It serves as an inspiring destination for nature enthusiasts and knowledge seekers of all ages. The Zoological and Paleontological Museums of the University of Zurich offer a fascinating glimpse into the animal kingdom and the history of life on Earth. The Zoological Museum showcases a wide variety of preserved animal specimens, interactive exhibits, and educational displays that highlight biodiversity and animal behavior. The Paleontological Museum features an impressive collection of fossils, including dinosaurs, prehistoric mammals, and marine creatures, providing insights into the evolution of life over millions of years. Together, these museums serve as engaging spaces for learning and discovery, appealing to visitors of all ages.
Explore over 1,500 animals up close! The ground floor features native Swiss wildlife, alongside four dinosaurs from Wyoming, a giraffe, and a giant tortoise. In the basement, animals from across the globe are displayed in their zoogeographic regions. At the rear of the ground floor, you’ll find a treasure vault showcasing 50 extraordinary fossil specimens, true masterpieces of natural history. Also, it contains a film program, family workshops about dinosaurs and a virtual tour.
The Zoological and Paleontological Museums of the University of Zurich offer a variety of educational activities tailored for school groups. These include guided tours, interactive workshops, and hands-on activities that align with school curricula and promote active learning. Students can explore topics such as biodiversity, animal behavior, evolution, and paleontology through engaging exhibits and real specimens. Special programs designed for different age groups ensure an enriching experience, inspiring curiosity and a deeper understanding of the natural world. Teachers can also access educational materials to complement classroom learning.
Every Sunday at 11:30 am, lasting about 1 hour, performed by students and researchers from the University of Zurich (free event, no registration).
December 1, 2024, 11:30 am: Sunday tour: Dinosaurs - their life in prehistoric times and today. Location: KO2, Karl-Schmid-Strasse 4, 8006 Zurich.
December 8, 2024, 11:30 am: Sunday tour: Local Wildlife. Location: KO2, Karl-Schmid-Strasse 4, 8006 Zurich.
15 December 2024, 11:30 am: Sunday tour: Jumping, strolling, walking - bipedal friends in the animal kingdom. Location: KO2, Karl-Schmid-Strasse 4, 8006 Zurich.
22 December 2024, 11:30 am: Sunday tour: Masterpieces - The Art of Nature (suitable for ages 10 and up). Location: KO2, Karl-Schmid-Strasse 4, 8006 Zurich.
29 December 2024, 11:30 am: Sunday tour: Masterpieces - Discover the hiding place - animal camouflage tricks. Location: KO2, Karl-Schmid-Strasse 4, 8006 Zurich.
On Sundays at 14:00 and 15:00, the duration is about 1 hour.
Interactive introduction and exciting research projects for the whole family (ages 5 and up, free event, no registration required ), conducted by students from the University of Zurich.
December 1, 2024, 2:00 p.m.: Family workshops: Dinosaurs - then and now, tooth and spine. Location: KO2, Karl-Schmid-Strasse 4, 8006 Zurich.
December 8, 2024, 2:00 p.m.: Family workshops: Dinosaurs - then and now, birds are dinosaurs. Location: KO2, Karl-Schmid-Strasse 4, 8006 Zurich.
15 December 2024, 2:00 pm: Family workshops: Dinosaurs - then and now, small becomes huge. Location: KO2, Karl-Schmid-Strasse 4, 8006 Zurich.
22 December 2024, 2:00 pm: Family workshops: Dinosaurs - then and now, long neck. Location: KO2, Karl-Schmid-Strasse 4, 8006 Zurich.
Children's birthday parties include a child-friendly museum tour designed to be very interactive, including puzzles, real skins and bones to the touch, imaginary journeys, games and story cards.
The most important things at a glance :
Duration: 2 hours
Daily: Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday
Cost: 200,00 CHF
Number of participants: maximum number of 10 children (2 chaperones recommended).
Children's Birthday Procedure
Welcome to the museum reception
Interactive tour (about 45 minutes) of the permanent exhibition
Break in a separate room (approx. 30 minutes), supervised by chaperones
Interactive tour (approx. 45 minutes) of the permanent exhibition
