Natural History Museum of the University of Zurich — Attraction in Zurich

The Natural History Museum of Zurich is an absolute gem for curious minds of all ages. Stepping inside feels like entering a cathedral dedicated to the wonders of our planet, from the vastness of space to the intricate details of local ecosystems. The museum's greatest strength lies in its stunning presentation. The animal dioramas are exceptionally lifelike, placing you face-to-face with imposing polar bears, majestic African elephants, and local wildlife in meticulously recreated habitats. It’s both educational and visually captivating. The famous dinosaur exhibit, featuring a complete Plateosaurus skeleton, is a clear highlight that never fails to amaze. While the exhibits are comprehensive, covering topics from evolution to minerals, the information is accessible and engaging. It’s a perfect blend of classic museum charm and modern scientific insight. The museum is very family-friendly, with many interactive elements and a special "Science Lab" that encourages hands-on learning. My only minor critique is that some signage is primarily in German, but the visual power of the exhibits transcends language barriers. Whether you're a tourist or a local, a day spent here is wonderfully enriching. It’s a must-visit destination that beautifully fulfills its mission of inspiring awe and respect for the...

Our visit to the Natural History Museum of the University of Zurich was spontaneous and delightful, as we arrived just 35 minutes before closing. The timing turned out to be perfect as the museum was nearly empty, which allowed our child to explore freely without the usual crowd. This added a relaxed and personal feel to our experience, letting our little one run around and enjoy the exhibits without any hindrance.

The museum itself feels smaller compared to other natural history museums I've visited; where an entire floor might be dedicated to a single theme like "the Arctic" in others, here it was condensed into a few displays over a short stretch. This compact setup, however, made our visit concise and kept it engaging without any unnecessary prolongation.

We explored the first and the basement floors, missing out on the second floor, yet our visit was thoroughly enjoyable. It's a great venue for families, especially with the free entrance, making it accessible for everyone. Most importantly, our daughter had a blast, which is what mattered the most to us.

Overall, if you're looking for a brief, enjoyable educational outing with the kids in Zurich, this museum offers a fun, quick dive into the natural world without overwhelming...

Wonderful museum to bring school children for a learning experience about ancient and modern animals around the world.

Paleontological exhibits are quite varied, from fossils of aquatic life to those which ruled the skies. Descriptions are all in German unfortunately, so foreign tourists are disadvantaged. Taxidermy exhibits are well done, except for the poor lone giraffe whose fur is clearly too exposed and worn out in patches.

Interactive exhibits are available, especially the rotating microscopes and magnifying glasses to view insects and other small animals. However, these were not accompanied with audio guides to assist understanding.

This museum can be enhanced with puzzles or game activities for younger students to immerse themselves with a more exciting range of learning opportunities in an otherwise too academic...