When does the exhibition Pests!? start?

The exhibition starts on 28.08.2026 at 10:00 AM at the Natural History Museum in Ottoneum in Kassel.

How much does the admission cost?

The regular admission for adults is €5. Reduced and other pricing tiers apply according to the museum.

Where does the exhibition take place?

At the Natural History Museum in Ottoneum, Steinweg 2, 34117 Kassel.

Is the exhibition suitable for families?

Yes, the topics are presented in an understandable way and are well-suited for families, school classes, and curious museum visitors.

Are there guided tours for the exhibition?

Yes, the museum offers guided tours and accompanying educational formats. Details and dates will be provided through official channels.

How long will the special exhibition run?

According to the museum, Pests!? will run until 06.09.2026.

Pests!? shows Kassel's natural museum from its most surprising, smartest side

Name: Pests!?
Start: 2026-08-28T12:00:00+02:00
End: 2026-09-06T19:00:00+02:00
Location: Naturkundemuseum im Ottoneum

Pests!? at the Natural History Museum in Ottoneum: When Nature, Fear, and Curiosity Collide

The special exhibition Pests!? at the Natural History Museum in Ottoneum in Kassel invites visitors to an entertaining yet well-informed examination of the uncomfortable sides of nature. In the historic Ottoneum, one of the oldest theater buildings in Germany, museum education combines with an immersive exhibition experience that breaks down prejudices against mosquitoes, raccoons, anacondas, and great white sharks.

Between Horror and Understanding

The exhibition starts where the human eye often judges too quickly: with animals deemed annoying, dangerous, or simply creepy. Instead of mere sensation, the presentation opens up an aesthetic experience with ecological depth. Visitors encounter questions of adaptation, survival, and coexistence that extend far beyond the first moment of fright.

A Natural History Museum as a Place of Perspective

The Natural History Museum Kassel is known for its lively presentations, dioramas, and natural history collections. The special exhibition fits into this curation and presents animal species not as nuisances but as part of complex material cycles. Thus, what seems like discomfort transforms into a different kind of artistic experience: sober, illustrative, and simultaneously emotional.

Biological Diversity Instead of Hasty Judgments

The exhibition places ecological connections at its core. Why do mosquitoes, raccoons, or sharks even exist? What role do they play in their habitats? And why do those species that are specialized in adaptation, territorial behavior, or hunting often come into conflict with humans? The exhibition communicates scientifically that biological diversity is not a decorative addition but a prerequisite for stable habitats.

Historical Place, Current Debate

The Ottoneum itself enhances the impact of the exhibition. The building from the early modern period carries traces of a long history of culture and science, which continues to be written at the Natural History Museum to this day. In this architecture, the exhibition gains a special spatial effect: tradition, research, and communication intertwine into a clear message about humanity and nature.

Family-Friendly, Educational, and Discussion-Strong

Pests!? is suitable for adults as well as for families, school classes, and all those who want to not only observe nature but understand it. The exhibition vividly illustrates how cultural attributions arise and how easily animal groups can be devalued in general. This is precisely where its educational value lies: it fosters empathy, knowledge, and the willingness to change perspectives.

Conclusion

Pests!? offers an exhibition in Kassel with high recognition value, scientific substance, and strong contemporary relevance. Those who appreciate natural history, environmental education, and impressive museum experiences should experience this walk through the world of misunderstood animals live. The visit promises insights, conversation topics, and a new perspective on coexistence with nature.