How long does the special exhibition last?

The exhibition runs until 06.09.2026 and is thus open for the entire summer.

What does admission cost?

Admission costs 5 euros for adults. Reduced tickets and free tickets for children under 6 years are also available.

Is the Natural History Museum barrier-free?

Yes, a barrier-free access is indicated on the museum's page. Additionally, there are restrooms and changing tables.

Are there official social media channels?

Yes, Instagram and Facebook are officially listed. A YouTube channel is not mentioned.

Who is the exhibition particularly suitable for?

For families, school classes, and anyone who wants to experience natural history, biodiversity, and engaging museum pedagogy.

Critters!? combines horror, knowledge, and natural history in the Ottoneum

Name: Critters!? at the Natural History Museum in the Ottoneum
Start: 2026-07-09T12:00:00+02:00
End: 2026-09-06T18:30:00+02:00
Location: Naturkundemuseum im Ottoneum

Critters!? at the Ottoneum: When Natural History Changes the Perspective on Feared Animals

The special exhibition Critters!? at the Natural History Museum in the Ottoneum focuses on animals that people often perceive as annoying, eerie, or dangerous. Mosquitoes, raccoons, anacondas, and great white sharks not only represent fear images but also ecological connections, biological diversity, and the question of how coexistence on Earth can function. The exhibition runs in the historic Ottoneum in Kassel and combines natural scientific education with a vivid, interactive presentation. ([kasselkultur.de](https://www.kasselkultur.de/einrichtungen/naturkundemuseum/ausstellungen/sonderausstellung.php))

Between Goosebumps and Insight

Upon entering the rooms, one experiences an art experience in the broader sense: Light, models, media stations, and spatial presentations condense into an exhibition atmosphere that appeals to both curiosity and skepticism. The exhibit does not just ask about mere defense but about causes, functions, and misunderstandings. This creates a contemplation of nature that swaps popular prejudices for scientific perspectives. ([kasselkultur.de](https://www.kasselkultur.de/einrichtungen/naturkundemuseum/ausstellungen/sonderausstellung.php))

Why These Animals Are More Than Clichés

The exhibition makes it clear that even disliked species are part of a delicate material cycle. Mosquitoes, raccoons, or sharks do not appear here as a blanket threat but as living beings with a role in the ecological fabric. Therein lies their strength: The Natural History Museum translates complex contexts into a comprehensible, sensory, and pedagogically clever form. ([kasselkultur.de](https://www.kasselkultur.de/einrichtungen/naturkundemuseum/ausstellungen/sonderausstellung.php))

A Museum with History and Scientific Depth

The Ottoneum itself is one of the significant cultural sites in Kassel. The building, erected in 1606, was made the Natural History Museum of the city of Kassel and preserves a long tradition of collections with around 785,000 objects, most of which are digitally recorded. This historical depth lends the exhibition a special authority: Here, the present meets research, mediation, and museum remembrances. ([kassel.de](https://www.kassel.de/einrichtungen/naturkundemuseum/museum/index.php?utm_source=openai))

Families, School Classes, and the Curious Are Welcome

The special exhibition is suitable for families, school groups, and anyone who wants to not just see nature but understand it. Interactive stations and clear thematic guidance promote cultural education and make the visit accessible for younger guests. Barrier-free access, restrooms, and changing tables further ease the stay. ([kasselkultur.de](https://www.kasselkultur.de/einrichtungen/naturkundemuseum/ausstellungen/sonderausstellung.php))

Conclusion: Critters!? transforms aversion into insight and horror into knowledge. Anyone wanting to understand animals anew and experience ecological contexts vividly should definitely visit this exhibition at the Natural History Museum in the Ottoneum live. ([kasselkultur.de](https://www.kasselkultur.de/einrichtungen/naturkundemuseum/ausstellungen/sonderausstellung.php))