Pest Creatures!? at the Natural History Museum in Ottoneum: Natural Science with Perspective Shift in Kassel


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Pest Creatures!? at Ottoneum: When Unloved Animals Suddenly Tell Their Story
At the Natural History Museum in Ottoneum in Kassel, the special exhibition Pest Creatures!? highlights those animal species that are often regarded only as pests, dangers, or disgusting images in everyday life. The exhibition is planned as a long-term event until September 6, 2026, and combines natural history, ecological education, and a surprisingly playful approach. It showcases the conflicts between humans and animals as well as the question of what role mosquitoes, raccoons, anacondas, or sharks actually play in the ecological system. ([visit.kassel.de](https://visit.kassel.de/poi/mistviecher?utm_source=openai))
An Exhibition Between Horror, Knowledge, and Perspective Shift
The presentation emphasizes illustrative communication and the appeal of the uncomfortable: what initially sounds defensive turns into a broad perspective on the work, as visitors encounter zoological examples, biological connections, and cultural attributions. This is precisely the strength of the exhibition: it shows how quickly entire groups of animals are stigmatized, even though they fulfill ecological functions and are part of biodiversity. Thus, an exhibition experience is created that is equally irritating, enlightening, and sensitizing. ([visit.kassel.de](https://visit.kassel.de/poi/mistviecher?utm_source=openai))
Interactive Discovery Journey for Families, School Classes, and the Curious
Caricatura guest at the Natural History Museum, illustrations, and engaging participation stations provide easy access to a partly creepy topic. This makes Pest Creatures!? particularly attractive for families and young visitors without losing the academic ambition. The Natural History Museum also refers to its museum educational work and offers accompanying formats for school classes and groups. As a result, the exhibition becomes a place of cultural education where natural science and illustrative storytelling come together. ([caricatura.de](https://caricatura.de/caricatura-zu-gast-im-naturkundemuseum-kassel/?utm_source=openai))
The Ottoneum as a Historical Exhibition Place
The Natural History Museum in Ottoneum is one of the most traditional institutions in Kassel. The building was constructed in 1606; the natural history collections have a long history of collection tradition. Today, the museum includes around 785,000 collection items and publishes the scientific journal Philippia. This historical setting gives the special exhibition a unique aura: the old museum culture meets a contemporary theme that addresses current debates on biodiversity, coexistence, and nature conservation. ([kassel.de](https://www.kassel.de/einrichtungen/naturkundemuseum/museum/index.php))
Visit, Service, and Orientation
The museum is located at Steinweg 2 in 34117 Kassel and is accessible Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM; the regular opening hours of the museum include Tuesday to Sunday with extended hours on Wednesday and Sunday. Admission costs 5 euros for adults, reduced 3 euros, and children under 6 years have free admission. Accessible access, restrooms, and changing tables are available. ([www1.kassel.de](https://www1.kassel.de/einrichtungen/naturkundemuseum/ausstellungen/sonderausstellung.php))
Conclusion
Pest Creatures!? is not just a pure animal exhibition, but a clever invitation to shift perspectives. Those who are eager for natural science, illustrative communication, and an unusually lively museum visit will experience an exhibition that connects knowledge with curiosity and sustainably changes the view of wildlife. A visit on-site is definitely worthwhile. ([visit.kassel.de](https://visit.kassel.de/poi/mistviecher?utm_source=openai))
Official Channels of the Natural History Museum in Ottoneum:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturkundemuseum_kassel
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naturkundemuseumkassel
- YouTube: No official profile found
- Website: https://naturkundemuseum.kassel.de/










