Naturhistorisches Museum Bern — Attraction in Bern

Our absolute favourite for a (rainy) family day out. We must have seen the exhibition ‘c’est la vie’ ten times or more. Our daughters (2 and 5) love going there, and it certainly sustains repeated viewing for adults, too! The collection of skeletons and a superb series of life-size animal dioramas are among the highlights. Also don’t miss the room-sized ant colony - and the rocks & minerals section in the basement.

The cafeteria is small but perfectly formed. There is also a picnic area upstairs, and a playground in the inside courtyard.

The presentation of the science is top-notch, the museum succeeds in engaging all age groups without resorting to ‘talking down’ to children. The whole museum has nothing of the mustiness so often associated with natural history museums - in fact, it’s super stylish! A lot of the museum’s success is no doubt owed to the splendid exhibition- and graphic design by art director +Claude Kuhn. (Google him, you’ll see what I mean).

If you spend more than a few days in Bern I think this is an...

I don’t know how most of the reviews do not mention the fact that this museum is not for non-German speakers. The thing is: I’m okay with it, but if I ask at the info point, before buying ticket, in which language I will find informations in the museum and they say German, French and English, and then only 20% is translated in French and nothing in English, I get really mad. I also get mad because of the kids screaming here and there. And last but not least, the only section of the museum in English is the one about Barry, the rescue dog. And guess what? It’s just because you can buy photos with him.

Just avoid this place if you are interested in more than a walk in...

One of the best museums of natural history I have ever seen. In covid times there might be a long wait time to enter the museum. We waited 15 min, but there isa sign "30 min from here", so, I guess, it might be longer. The best highlights are the installations of the animals in the natural habitat. Especially the Africa.

I just need to add - we came back last Saturday, and without Covid, the experience is much better. No wait at all, even the famous Queer exhibition was accessible. (Btw, amazing display and the way to present things. Try to catch it - this is...