Ever wondered about the hidden natural treasures around D\u00fcsseldorf? Right here in the west wing of Benrath Castle lies the Museum f\u00fcr Naturkunde. This museum is dedicated to the regional flora and fauna. It offers exciting glimpses into the local animal and plant life.
The Museum f\u00fcr Naturkunde was founded in 1929. Dr. Heinrich Opladen was a teacher at the Schoss-Gymnasium. He established it as a natural history museum. It focuses on the nature around D\u00fcsseldorf. This includes habitats like the Rhine meadows, the Neandertal, and the Ohligser Heide. The museum’s last renovation took place in the 1970s.
Many parts of the exhibition remain unchanged. Numerous display cases offer a fascinating look at local habitats. These cases recreate nature in detail. They are called dioramas. They provide visitors with educational insights. Visitors see the nature of the D\u00fcsseldorf region that they might otherwise miss.
The Museum f\u00fcr Naturkunde also features parts of Dr. Peter Frey’s bird collection. He was a dentist from Leverkusen. He independently collected over 1,074 birds. He stuffed them lifelike. He installed them in 450 showcases. These showcases feature naturalistic background paintings. They are mini-dioramas. He created scenes of lasting value.
A unique bird clock is part of the museum’s technical equipment. It plays the songs of birds from the Schlosspark. These birds sing during the day.
Upstairs, you can visit the permanent exhibition on weekends. It is called “How People See Animals”. It features animal sculptures by Josef Pallenberg. He was an internationally renowned animal sculptor. His works explore the relationship between art and zoology. They reveal a unique human-animal relationship.
The Museum f\u00fcr Naturkunde hosts special exhibitions too. “Neozoa: Animal Newcomers and Native Exotics” has been running since March 2023. It highlights animals that have left their native regions. This is often due to human activity or climate change. The exhibition examines the establishment of new animal species in Germany.
The Peter Frey collection is a highlight of the Museum f\u00fcr Naturkunde. It includes 1,074 prepared birds in detailed dioramas. It also has 17 mammals. These items are important references. They show changes in biodiversity and native bird populations. Frey systematically collected specimens. He aimed for a complete collection. He obtained specimens from across Europe. He even got them from zoos. His records offer insights into changes in species. The collection shows preparation styles of the time.
The Pallenberg collection includes about 575 sculptures. They are made of plaster, clay, cast stone, and bronze. The Stiftung Schloss und Park Benrath and the City of D\u00fcsseldorf purchased them. Pallenberg kept live animals for his studies. This allowed him to capture their natural movements. His work gained international recognition.
Remember a few rules during your visit. Leave bags and umbrellas in the cloakroom. Do not bring drinks or food into the historical rooms. Please do not touch anything. Photos are allowed for private use only. Please do not use flash. The Museum f\u00fcr Naturkunde is more than just a collection. It is a window into the natural world around us. It is a place to learn, explore, and appreciate the beauty of our region.