The Senckenberg Naturmuseum is one of the great natural history museums of Europe and the most popular museum in Frankfurt for families. Its Dinosaur Hall houses the largest dinosaur collection in Germany, and towering skeletons greet you in the halls, while the bird gallery, the mammal displays and the rooms on the deep sea and maritime research add variety. Altogether the museum shows more than ten thousand exhibits, many of them original specimens. The Aha?! Science Lab invites visitors to experiment, which is a draw for school-age children. The museum stands on Senckenberganlage in the university district, a short walk from the Bockenheimer Warte stop. The research institution behind it was founded in the early nineteenth century by Frankfurt citizens, and the collections grow from active fieldwork. Admission costs a modest twelve euros for adults and half that for ages six to seventeen, so it is good value for a half day.
Highlights
Start with the dinosaurs, which are the reason most visitors come, then look for the bird and mammal galleries, where long rows of specimens show the sheer variety of life. The deep sea and maritime research rooms offer a change of mood, with dim light and strange creatures. Aha?! Science Lab, on the upper level, has its own opening times, so check them if you plan to go with children. Allow time for the shop and the bistro if the little ones need a break.
Practical details
The museum opens from nine in the morning until five on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, until eight on Wednesday, and until six on weekends and public holidays. It closes on Good Friday, 24 December, 31 December and 1 January. An evening ticket from five o'clock on Wednesdays costs half the normal price, and family tickets save money for groups. The museum's website carries an accessibility notice at the moment, so check it before visiting with a wheelchair or pushchair, and allow extra time for your visit.
Fitting it in
The museum is on the west side of the centre, so combine it with a visit to the Palmengarten, which is a ten to fifteen minute walk away, or with the university district's cafes. A morning at the Senckenberg followed by an afternoon in the greenhouses makes a very easy day for families, particularly in winter when you want to be indoors and warm. The quietest times are weekday afternoons and Wednesday evenings.
What to expect
The experience
A self-paced walk through galleries of skeletons, specimens and themed rooms, plus a hands-on science lab for curious children.
Best time
Weekday afternoons and Wednesday evenings are quietest, and the dinosaur halls are best before the school groups arrive.
How long
Two to three hours, longer if you add the science lab.
Tips
Check the accessibility notice before you go, use the Wednesday evening ticket for a cheaper visit, and check the lab's separate hours.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and dinosaur fans, and anyone who wants a good indoor option on a wet day.
- Families
- Children aged five and under are free, ages six to seventeen pay a reduced fee, and family tickets save more.
- Couples
- Go on a Wednesday evening when it is quieter and cheaper, then eat nearby.
- Pair with
- The Palmengarten and the Bockenheim cafes.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours.
Good questions
What are the opening hours?+
The museum is open from nine until five on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, until eight on Wednesday and until six on weekends and holidays. It closes on Good Friday and on 24 and 31 December and 1 January.
How much does it cost?+
Adults pay twelve euros, ages six to seventeen and students pay six, and children aged five and under are free. A Wednesday evening ticket from five o'clock costs six euros for adults.
Is it good for children?+
Yes, it is one of the best family attractions in Frankfurt, with the dinosaur hall and the hands-on science lab. Younger children enjoy the big skeletons most.
Is the museum accessible?+
The museum's website currently carries an accessibility notice, so check it before visiting with a wheelchair or pushchair. Allow extra time if you plan to go.
What is the best way to get there?+
Take the U6 or U7 to Bockenheimer Warte, which is a short walk from the entrance. The Palmengarten is a ten to fifteen minute walk away.
