Paleontological Museum Munich

The Paleontological Museum Munich (Paläontologisches Museum München) is a small but fascinating museum dedicated to the study of prehistoric life. Located near the city center, it is part of the Bavarian State Collection for Paleontology and Geology. The museum's highlight is the complete skeleton of a woolly mammoth, which greets visitors in the main hall. Other exhibits include a variety of dinosaurs, such as a Plateosaurus, and marine reptiles like ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs. The collection also features fossilized plants, insects, and fish, offering a broad overview of life through geological time. Display cases are packed with specimens, and informative labels (in German and English) explain the significance of each fossil. The museum's old-fashioned charm, with wooden cabinets and dim lighting, adds to the experience of exploring a classic natural history collection.

Don't miss

• See the complete woolly mammoth skeleton in the entrance hall
• Examine dinosaur fossils, including a Plateosaurus
• View marine reptile skeletons like ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs
• Explore fossilized plants and insects from the Jurassic period
• Learn about prehistoric life in Bavaria and beyond

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Paleontological Museum Munich

Cheapest way inMunich Old Town Walking Tour4.6★ · 160 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$26 per personSee dates →Most bookedDachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site Tour from Munich by Train4.7★ · 5,956 travelers~5 hoursFree cancellationFrom$62 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleMunich Private Tour with a Local – Highlights & Hidden Gems4.9★ · 516 travelers2–6 hoursFree cancellationFrom$110 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• Photography is allowed without flash.
• Great for kids interested in dinosaurs, but exhibits are mostly static displays.
• The museum is small; combine with a visit to nearby art museums.
• English descriptions are available for most exhibits.

A bit of history

The museum originated from the collections of the Bavarian Academy of Sciences in the 18th century. It moved to its current building in the early 20th century and has since been a public museum showcasing the state's paleontological treasures.