How much does admission to the special exhibition cost?

According to the city of Kassel, admission for adults is 5 euros, reduced 3 euros. Children under 6 years old have free admission.

Are there tours or educational offerings?

Yes. The Natural History Museum offers a guiding program, group offerings, and educational formats related to the special exhibition.

Is the museum accessible for people with disabilities?

Yes. The city of Kassel states that there is accessible entrance, as well as restrooms and a changing table.

Where is the Natural History Museum in the Ottoneum located?

The museum is located at Steinweg 2 in 34117 Kassel, right in the city center.

What are the museum's opening hours?

According to the city of Kassel, it is closed on Mondays. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday, with longer hours on Wednesday and Sunday.

Who is the exhibition particularly suitable for?

The exhibition is aimed at families, school classes, groups, and anyone who appreciates natural history, environmental education, and interactive exhibitions.

Pests!? at the Ottoneum: How Kassel artistically redefines animal fears, knowledge, and wonder

Name: Pests!?
Start: 2026-07-15T12:00:00+02:00
End: 2026-10-01T01:59:59+02:00
Location: Naturkundemuseum im Ottoneum

Pests!? at the Ottoneum: When Disgust Becomes Knowledge

The special exhibition Pests!? at the Natural History Museum in the Ottoneum invites visitors in Kassel to a playful yet educational exploration of animals that often irritate, unsettle, or even frighten people. The exhibition combines natural history, environmental education, and visual communication into a broader artistic experience: featuring interactive stations, themed rooms, and an exhibition atmosphere that allows for both goosebumps and curiosity. According to the city of Kassel, the special exhibition runs from October 2025 to September 2026; the museum presents at least one elaborately staged special exhibition annually covering around 400 square meters. ([kassel.de](https://www.kassel.de/einrichtungen/naturkundemuseum/ausstellungen/nutzungsrechte.php?utm_source=openai))

Why Mosquitoes, Raccoons, and Sharks Change the Perspective

At the center are animals that are quickly designated as pests, dangers, or vermin in everyday life: mosquitoes, raccoons, anacondas, great white sharks, and other unwelcome species. The exhibition shows that fears can be partially justified or culturally shaped, and that even feared animal groups fulfill ecological functions. This opens a wide horizon between natural history, biodiversity, and the question of how humans and animals can coexist in a fragile balance. ([visit.kassel.de](https://visit.kassel.de/poi/mistviecher))

The Ottoneum as a Historical Resonance Space

The location itself adds particular weight to the exhibition. The Ottoneum is considered one of the most historically significant museum buildings in Germany: it was built from 1603 to 1606 as Germany's first permanent theater building and was later converted for collections. Today, it houses natural history rarities, including the Ratzenberger Herbarium and the famous Schildbach Wood Library. This historical depth makes the visit an aesthetic experience, where the history of science and present intertwine. ([www1.kassel.de](https://www1.kassel.de/einrichtungen/naturkundemuseum/museum/inhaltsseiten/geschichte.php?utm_source=openai))

Communication, Tours, and Family Programs

The Natural History Museum in the Ottoneum explicitly sees itself as a place of experience with interactive stations and a comprehensive event program. For groups, there is a varied guiding program, as well as educational advice and special offerings like family tours, holiday programs, and workshops related to the special exhibition. Children's and school programs also address the contents of Pests!? and translate them into practical learning, crafting, and discovery. ([www1.kassel.de](https://www1.kassel.de/einrichtungen/naturkundemuseum/index.php))

Visit Tip for Art and Culture Enthusiasts

Those who love exhibitions that convey knowledge sensually will find here a clever counterpoint to pure display aesthetics: not a classic art museum, but a carefully curated knowledge landscape with surprising spatial effects, illustrative models, and a strong commitment to communication. Pests!? invites visitors to question prejudices against animals and to see biodiversity as a culturally and ecologically valuable topic anew. A visit is especially worthwhile for families, school classes, and anyone who wants to experience natural history as a lively part of cultural education. ([kassel-news.com](https://www.kassel-news.com/veranstaltungen/ausstellungen/mistviecher-26040914105852?utm_source=openai))

Conclusion: Pests!? connects chills, knowledge, and wonder into an exhibition experience with attitude. Those who want to know why animals are unjustly feared and how coexistence on Earth can succeed should definitely visit this exhibition at the Ottoneum live. ([visit.kassel.de](https://visit.kassel.de/poi/mistviecher))

Official Channels of the Natural History Museum in the Ottoneum:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturkundemuseum_kassel
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naturkundemuseumkassel
YouTube: no official profile found
Website: https://naturkundemuseum.kassel.de/

Sources:

The reactions to the exhibition are lively: especially the interactive stations and the shift in perspective on supposed pests resonate with many guests. ([kassel-news.com](https://www.kassel-news.com/veranstaltungen/ausstellungen/mistviecher-26040914105852?utm_source=openai))