When does the exhibition Pests!? start?

The exhibition starts on 21.04.2026 at 10:00 AM at the Natural History Museum in Ottoneum in Kassel.

How much does admission cost?

The regular admission is 5 euros per person. Admission is free for children under 6 years.

Are there guided tours for the exhibition?

Yes, the museum offers guided tours for the special exhibition. Groups have 60-minute tours with separate booking.

Is the museum accessible?

Yes, the Natural History Museum in Ottoneum has barrier-free access as well as restrooms and changing tables.

What are the opening hours?

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, closed on Mondays. Extended hours until 8 PM apply on Wednesdays.

Where is the event venue located?

The exhibition takes place at the Natural History Museum in Ottoneum, Steinweg 2, 34117 Kassel.

When Animals Are Misunderstood: Kassel's Exhibition Pests!? Opens New Perspectives in Ottoneum

Name: Pests!? at the Natural History Museum in Ottoneum
Start: 2026-04-21T12:00:00+02:00
End: 2026-09-06T19:00:00+02:00
Location: Naturkundemuseum im Ottoneum

Pests!?: When Natural History Breaks Prejudices

At the Natural History Museum in Ottoneum in Kassel, the exhibition Pests!? opens up a new perspective on disliked animal species. Mosquitoes, raccoons, anacondas, or great white sharks are not merely figures of horror in the room but serve as a starting point for a clever, sensual, and educational engagement with biodiversity, ecological functions, and human fears.

An Artistic Experience of a Different Kind

Even without classical painting or sculpture, the exhibition unfolds a strong atmosphere. Large-scale animal models, media stations, illustrative scenes, and educational elements create a broader understanding of the work: The space becomes a stage for perception, knowledge, and emotion. Between fright, wonder, and laughter, an aesthetic experience emerges that impressively connects natural history and cultural education.

Why We Wrongly Stigmatize Some Animals

The exhibition precisely questions why certain animal groups are considered pests. Why do mosquitoes bite? Why do raccoons cause disturbances in the attic? How dangerous is a great white shark really? And what lies behind the bad reputation of anacondas? The answers reference not only biological facts but also cultural attributions, fear imagery, and media narratives.

Ecology Instead of Prejudice

The perspective shift is particularly convincing: Every animal fulfills an ecological function. The exhibition makes visible how closely biodiversity, habitats, and material cycles are interconnected. Thus, a seemingly playful exhibition becomes a well-founded mediation about natural connections, nature conservation, and the fragile balance of our living foundations.

The Ottoneum as a Historical Museum Site

The Natural History Museum in Ottoneum is one of the defining cultural sites in Kassel. The historic building connects collection and building history with modern museum education. This contrast gives the visit a special charm: historical architecture, current special exhibitions, and a clear educational mandate interweave here.

Guided Tours, Educational Offers, and Visitor Experience

Guided tours are available for families, groups, and interested visitors related to the exhibition. The offers deepen topics such as biodiversity, conflicts between humans and animals, and coexistence on Earth. Those who want not only to see but also to understand exhibitions will find an ideal place for a well-founded and also illustrative encounter with natural history.

Conclusion: Pests!? is more than a special exhibition on natural history. It invites visitors to question prejudices, deepen knowledge, and regard the animal world with renewed attention. Anyone seeking a lively, educational, and surprisingly entertaining museum experience in Kassel should definitely visit this exhibition in person.