Natural History Museum Basel
Discover ancient worlds at the Natural History Museum Basel, featuring impressive extinct species and beautifully designed exhibits.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Less crowded, peaceful exploration
Natural History Museum Basel
Best Time
Less crowded, peaceful exploration

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover ancient worlds at the Natural History Museum Basel, featuring impressive extinct species and beautifully designed exhibits.
"Without a doubt, the best natural history museum I've ever been to."
🎟️ Free Entry Potential
Check for city handbooks with coupons for free admission. Great for budget-conscious visitors!
🗺️ Grab a Guide Map
Staff provide maps upon entry to help you navigate the museum's extensive collections.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Extinct Species Hall
Marvel at impressive displays of mammoths, dodos, saber-toothed cats, and other extinct creatures. A truly awe-inspiring journey into the past.

Peter Merian Exhibit
Learn about one of the museum's founders, Peter Merian, and his contributions. A nod to the history behind the institution.

Beautifully Laid Out Exhibits
Appreciate the meticulous design and pristine presentation of each display. The museum's aesthetics are as captivating as its content.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Budget-Friendly Exploration
Timing Your Visit for Quiet
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Must see and do in Basel, first time visit
🎟️ Free Entry Potential
Check for city handbooks with coupons for free admission. Great for budget-conscious visitors!
🗺️ Grab a Guide Map
Staff provide maps upon entry to help you navigate the museum's extensive collections.
ideas for a museum day?
Budget things to do around Basel?
📸 Photo Opportunities
The exhibits are beautifully designed, making it a great spot for photos.
⏳ Two-Hour Visit
A two-hour visit is generally sufficient to explore the permanent exhibition.
Tourist recommendations for someone who likes old buildings, museums, etc and has only 1.5 days in Basel? Staying near SBB
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Free Entry Potential
Check for city handbooks with coupons for free admission. Great for budget-conscious visitors!
🗺️ Grab a Guide Map
Staff provide maps upon entry to help you navigate the museum's extensive collections.
📸 Photo Opportunities
The exhibits are beautifully designed, making it a great spot for photos.
⏳ Two-Hour Visit
A two-hour visit is generally sufficient to explore the permanent exhibition.
💧 Vending Machine Refreshments
No coffee shop, but clean washrooms and a vending machine are available.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Natural History Museum Basel for its impressive displays of extinct species and beautifully designed exhibits. The museum offers great value, especially with potential free entry options, and is a worthwhile visit for its informative and visually appealing collections. Some visitors note the lack of a café, but the overall experience is highly recommended.
"The Basel Natural History Museum has extinct species such as mammoths, dodos, quaggas, saber-toothed cats, etc. When you enter, the museum staff will give you a guide map and ask if you need an audio guide. Just follow the audio guide and listen to the guide while walking. P15 is Peter Merian, one of the founders of the History Museum. There is a tram station named after him near the Law School of the University of Basel. The museum ticket is 7 Swiss francs, but the city government has a handbook with dozens of coupons for new residents. If you have a coupon, you don't have to pay. A two-hour tour will be enough."
Joseph A. Buendia
"I definitely recommend visiting. It offers a unique experience. I loved it. The interior is as important as the exterior of the building :). Give it a try, you won't regret it."
Emre Mehmeti
"Very nice museum, and at a great price. We were there Friday afternoon and it was not crowded at all. The permanent exhibition took us around 2 hours."
Cybrans Loyalist
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Natural History Museum Basel is easily accessible. You can reach it via tram, with a tram station named after Peter Merian (one of the museum's founders) located near the University of Basel's Law School.
Information on specific parking availability near the Natural History Museum Basel is not widely detailed, but public transport is a convenient option. Consider using trams or buses to reach the museum.
The closest public transport stop is likely near the Peter Merian tram station, named after a key figure in the museum's history.
Depending on your starting point in Basel, walking to the Natural History Museum Basel might be feasible. It's a good idea to check a map for walking routes from your accommodation.
While specific details on accessibility for reaching the museum aren't extensively covered, Basel generally has good public transport infrastructure. It's advisable to check with local transport providers for detailed accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The standard ticket price for the Natural History Museum Basel is 7 Swiss francs. However, keep an eye out for city government handbooks that may contain coupons for free entry, especially for new residents.
Yes, discounts may be available. City handbooks often include coupons for free admission, which can significantly reduce the cost of visiting the museum.
Booking tickets in advance is generally not required for the Natural History Museum Basel, especially if you are visiting during off-peak hours. However, for special events, it's always best to check the museum's official website.
Opening hours for the Natural History Museum of Basel can vary. It's recommended to check the museum's official website for the most up-to-date information on opening times and any potential closures.
Information regarding specific family ticket options for the National History Museum Basel is not readily available. It's best to inquire directly with the museum or check their website for current pricing structures.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors highly recommend the extinct species hall, featuring mammoths, dodos, and saber-toothed cats. The exhibits are praised for their design and informative content.
Absolutely! The museum's exhibits are beautifully laid out and meticulously clean, making it a fantastic place for photography.
A typical visit to explore the permanent exhibition at the Museum of Natural History Basel takes around two hours.
Yes, audio guides are available at the Natural History Museum of Basel. Staff will inquire if you need one upon entry.
While the museum is informative, the content focuses on natural history and paleontology. Younger children might find the extinct species displays engaging, but the overall experience is geared towards a general audience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Natural History Museum Basel does not have a coffee shop. However, there is a vending machine available for refreshments.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to consume outside food and drinks before entering the exhibition halls to maintain the cleanliness and integrity of the displays.
Given its location, there are likely various dining options in the vicinity of the Natural History Museum Basel. Exploring the surrounding streets will reveal local cafes and restaurants.
The type of snacks available at the vending machine is not specified, but it typically offers standard convenience items.
There might be public spaces or parks near the Natural History Museum Basel where a picnic lunch could be enjoyed before or after your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside the Natural History Museum Basel, and visitors often praise the exhibits for being great for taking photos.
While general photography is permitted, it's always a good practice to check for any specific signage or ask museum staff about restrictions, especially regarding flash photography or tripods.
The extinct species hall, with its impressive displays of large creatures, is a popular spot for photos. The overall design and cleanliness of the exhibits also make for excellent photographic opportunities.
Yes, using your phone camera for pictures is perfectly fine within the Natural History Museum Basel.
The displays of extinct animals like mammoths and saber-toothed cats are often highlighted as particularly photogenic due to their scale and detail.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Practical tips for families include checking for free entry coupons in city handbooks to make the visit more budget-friendly. Visiting during off-peak hours, like weekday mornings or Friday afternoons, can help avoid crowds and make the experience more comfortable for children. Remember that there are no extensive dining facilities, so consider bringing snacks or planning a meal before or after your visit. The museum's well-designed exhibits also offer great photo opportunities to capture your family's discoveries.
💰 Budget Travelers
Visiting on a Friday afternoon is a popular tip for avoiding crowds and enjoying a more peaceful experience, often at no extra cost. The museum's comprehensive permanent exhibition can be explored in about two hours, making it an efficient use of time and money. While there's no café, a vending machine is available for quick refreshments, keeping overall expenses low during your visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Extinct Wonders
Beyond the iconic extinct animals, the museum delves into various aspects of natural history. The Peter Merian exhibit offers a glimpse into the museum's origins and the individuals who shaped it. The overall design of the museum is frequently lauded, with visitors praising the beautifully laid out exhibits and the pristine condition of the displays. This attention to detail enhances the visitor's journey through the natural world, making it both informative and visually appealing.
For those looking to capture the essence of their visit, the museum provides ample opportunities for photography. The clean glass surfaces and well-lit displays make for stunning shots. While there isn't a café, a vending machine is available, and the washrooms are noted for their cleanliness. A visit typically takes about two hours, allowing ample time to absorb the wealth of information and marvel at the natural wonders on display.
Navigating Your Visit: Practicalities and Tips
When it comes to timing, visiting on a Friday afternoon is frequently recommended by travelers who found the museum to be uncrowded during this period. This allows for a more relaxed exploration of the exhibits. Upon arrival, museum staff provide a guide map to help navigate the collections, and audio guides are also available if you wish for a more guided experience.
While the museum excels in its exhibits, it's worth noting that there is no coffee shop on-site, though a vending machine is available. The washrooms are consistently described as clean. Most visitors find that a two-hour visit is sufficient to thoroughly explore the permanent exhibition, making it a manageable and rewarding outing.
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