When does the exhibition Pests!? begin?

The exhibition begins on 05.04.2026 at 10:00 AM.

How much is the admission?

The admission for adults is 5 Euro. There are discounts and free admission for certain groups.

Where does the exhibition take place?

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

Is the museum accessible for people with disabilities?

Yes, there is barrier-free access available. Additionally, there are restrooms and a changing table.

Are there guided tours or educational programs?

Yes, the Natural History Museum offers guided tours and educational programs. There are specific programs for groups and school classes.

What are the opening hours?

The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, closed on Mondays. More specific times: Tuesday 10 AM to 5 PM, Wednesday 10 AM to 8 PM, Thursday to Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM, Sunday 10 AM to 6 PM.

A Kassel Exhibition About Unloved Animals and Their Hidden Importance

Name: Pests!? at the Natural History Museum in Ottoneum
Start: 2026-04-05T12:00:00+02:00
End: 2026-09-06T19:00:00+02:00
Location: Naturkundemuseum im Ottoneum

Pests!? at the Ottoneum: When Nature, Fear, and Curiosity Meet

With the special exhibition Pests!?, the Natural History Museum in Ottoneum in Kassel invites visitors to a playful yet educational examination of works. The exhibition focuses on animals that people perceive as annoying, eerie, or dangerous – and simultaneously questions the role they play in the ecological balance.

Between Disgust, Fascination, and Enlightenment

Mosquitoes, raccoons, anacondas, or the great white shark: The exhibition highlights those species that quickly become the enemy image. This is where its strength as an artistic experience with educational ambitions lies. Instead of mere shock moments, a nuanced narrative about biodiversity, habitats, and the cultural shaping of our view of animals unfolds.

A Natural History Museum with Historical Depth

The venue itself lends a special exhibition atmosphere to the visit. The Ottoneum is among the most historically significant museum buildings in Germany; its natural history collections reach deep into the history of the landgrave's cabinet of curiosities. Those who walk through the rooms here not only experience current knowledge transfer but also a house with scientific authority and a long tradition of collection.

Science, Education, and Sensory Communication

The presentation works with models, media, and illustrative scenes that make the content accessible to children, families, and adults alike. Engaging with biodiversity, food chains, and human-animal conflicts opens up perspectives on ecological contexts. In this way, an aesthetic experience arises, driven by curiosity, irritation, and insight.

Who Should Particularly Consider Visiting

The exhibition is suitable for anyone who wants to experience natural history not just as a field of knowledge but as a cultural topic. School classes, families, and nature enthusiasts will find a place here where museum, research, and communication work convincingly together.

Conclusion: Pests!? is not just an animal exhibition but a clever plea for respect towards nature. Those who want to understand why even unloved species have a function should experience this exhibition live in Kassel.