When does the exhibition take place?

The special exhibition runs from 09.04.2026 to 06.09.2026.

How much is the admission fee?

The regular admission fee for adults is 5 euros. Discounts and other conditions are specified in the museum information.

Where is the museum located?

The Natural History Museum in Ottoneum is located at Steinweg 2 in 34117 Kassel.

Is the museum barrier-free?

Yes, according to the museum, there is a barrier-free access as well as a restroom and changing table.

Are there guided tours and educational offers?

Yes, the museum offers guided tours, workshops, and educational programs. Bookings are done through the information and registration phone.

What are the opening hours?

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, and it is closed on Mondays. It is also open on holidays.

Kassel's Most Unusual Animal Exhibition Combines Horror, Knowledge, and Surprising Insights

Name: Pests!?
Start: 2026-04-09T12:00:00+02:00
End: 2026-09-06T19:00:00+02:00
Location: Naturkundemuseum im Ottoneum

Pests!? at the Natural History Museum in Ottoneum: An exhibition between horror, knowledge, and biodiversity

In the historic Ottoneum in Kassel, the special exhibition Pests!? focuses on the animals that people often view with fear, disgust, or annoyance. Mosquitoes, raccoons, anacondas, or sharks are not just viewed as mere nuisances here, but as a starting point for a well-founded consideration of nature: Why do certain species provoke rejection? What ecological functions do they perform? And how can the relationship between humans and animals be rethought?

Between Goosebumps and Insight

The atmosphere of the exhibition thrives on a interplay of curiosity, surprise, and sensory immediacy. Models, interactive stations, and media elements create an art experience in an extended sense: not as classical art in a museum, but as a carefully curated landscape of knowledge. Light, spatial effect, and illustrative staging draw attention to animals that are often quickly labeled as pests.

Biological Diversity instead of Blanket Rejection

The exhibition content connects natural history education with societal reflection. It shows that every living being fulfills an ecological function and that biological diversity forms the basis of stable material cycles. This is precisely the strength of the format: It not only explains, but also raises awareness. Those who engage with this exhibition will learn how closely conflict, coexistence, and responsibility are intertwined.

A Museum with Historical Depth

The Natural History Museum in Ottoneum is one of Kassel's special cultural places. The building has a long history and adds an additional historical dimension to the exhibition. The combination of architecture, museum education, and special exhibition creates a place where cultural education and aesthetic experience intersect. Families, school classes, and nature-interested visitors find here a lively approach to natural history and the present.

Guided Tours, Workshops, and Educational Programs

To complement the exhibition, guided tours and events enhance the visitor experience. According to the museum, thematic programs and family tours are offered; workshops and vacation activities also address the contents of the special exhibition. Thus, Pests!? becomes more than just a display of images and models: The exhibition transforms into a learning place that allows questions, breaks down prejudices, and makes scientific connections understandable.

Conclusion

Pests!? combines natural history, mediation, and exciting staging into a visit that both entertains and educates. Those who want to see animals in a different light will discover here an exhibition filled with aha moments, intelligent perspectives, and surprising insights. A visit to the Natural History Museum in Ottoneum is definitely worth experiencing live.

Visitor Feedback

The reactions to the exhibition theme are lively as expected: Especially the interactive stations, the illustrative mediation, and the change of perspective on supposed pests appeal to many guests. Families and nature enthusiasts experience the exhibition as both educational and entertaining.