LWL Museum of Natural History and Planetarium
Discover prehistoric wonders and celestial marvels at the LWL Museum, featuring impressive dinosaur skeletons and an immersive planetarium.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
LWL Museum of Natural History and Planetarium
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover prehistoric wonders and celestial marvels at the LWL Museum, featuring impressive dinosaur skeletons and an immersive planetarium.
"The Planetarium is definitely recommend to visit! Sit in the back, one row before the last!"
🎯 Audio Tour Essential
Grab an English audio tour for €2 to understand exhibits not in English. :iphone:
⭐ Planetarium Seating
For the best planetarium experience, sit in the back rows. :star2:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Planetarium Show
Planetarium
Immersive shows on constellations and aurora borealis. Sit towards the back for the best view!
Dinosaur Skeletons
Dinosaur Exhibition
Marvel at impressive, large-scale skeletons of ancient creatures. A must-see for paleontology enthusiasts.
Interactive Exhibits
Children's Exhibition Area
Engaging, hands-on activities for kids, like creating landscapes and hearing animal sounds.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Check Exhibition Status
Language Barrier & Audio Tours
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
best dinosaur museums in europe?
🎯 Audio Tour Essential
Grab an English audio tour for €2 to understand exhibits not in English. :iphone:
⭐ Planetarium Seating
For the best planetarium experience, sit in the back rows. :star2:
Two Triceratops in front of a natural history museum in Münster/Germany, built around 1980
🅿️ Parking Fee
Be aware that parking at the museum costs €4. :parking:
🎒 Free Lockers Available
Utilize the free lockers to store jackets, bags, and belongings. :locker:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Audio Tour Essential
Grab an English audio tour for €2 to understand exhibits not in English. :iphone:
⭐ Planetarium Seating
For the best planetarium experience, sit in the back rows. :star2:
🅿️ Parking Fee
Be aware that parking at the museum costs €4. :parking:
🎒 Free Lockers Available
Utilize the free lockers to store jackets, bags, and belongings. :locker:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The LWL Museum offers interesting natural history exhibits and a captivating planetarium, particularly appealing to families and dinosaur enthusiasts. While the museum has potential and a modern aesthetic, some visitors have reported negative experiences with staff rudeness and ongoing construction limiting access to certain areas. The planetarium is a strong highlight, but exhibits are primarily in German, necessitating an audio tour for non-German speakers.
"The LWL Museum isn't particularly large, but it’s definitely interesting and worth a visit from a cultural and historical point of view — so far, so good. However, I have to say I was honestly quite shocked by how rude and unprofessional the staff were. Not only were they unfriendly, but their behavior bordered on aggressive at times. There seemed to be a complete lack of coordination and basic service mindset. It really put a damper on the experience, which is a shame, because the museum itself has potential. That said, we did have a positive encounter with the man who sold us our tickets — he was Swedish and exceptionally friendly and helpful, which stood in stark contrast to the rest of the staff."
Henrik Petersen
"5* only for the planetarium! Planetarium had some extensive information about the star constellation and the aurora borealis which was quite interesting (only in German though).
The museum was a 1* only because only a small exhibition of the museum is open! This part is more for children. The rest is under construction, I could hear the drilling in the walls. Do not recommend unless you need some time to kill with your children.
Planetarium is definitely recommend to visit! Tip: sit in the back, one row before the last!"
Panda Chan
"Very interesting museum with different exhibitions. It is great for both adults and children. Everything is only in German, unfortunately. But in the shop you can get an audio tour (€2) in English and Dutch. This will however not cover all the exhibitions (not the dinosaur section and the national history section where the impressive skeletons are shown of several animals).
Despite the lack of signs in English, I enjoyed being here. There's braille, by the way.
There's a small restaurant where you can get pasta, pancakes, baked potato and cake. Parking costs €4."
Wicked Sheila
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is accessible by public transport. Check local transit schedules for bus or tram routes serving the museum's vicinity. Parking is available on-site for €4.
Yes, there is parking available at the museum, but it comes with a fee of €4.
Yes, public transportation options are available. It's recommended to check local transit authorities for the most up-to-date routes and schedules.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, and parts of the museum may be under construction. It's best to check the official LWL Museum website for the most current information on open exhibitions and operating times.
Ticket prices can vary, with discounts often available for students. Check the museum's official website for the latest admission fees and any special offers.
Yes, the museum offers discounted prices for students. It's advisable to inquire about other potential group discounts when purchasing tickets.
While not explicitly mentioned, purchasing tickets in advance is often recommended for popular attractions to save time. Check the museum's website for online booking options.
No, parts of the museum are frequently under construction, meaning only certain exhibitions might be accessible. It's crucial to verify which sections are open before your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Key attractions include the Planetarium with its shows on stars and aurora borealis, impressive dinosaur skeletons, and interactive exhibits, particularly in the children's areas.
Yes, the museum has interactive exhibits designed for children, making it a family-friendly destination. However, be aware that some parts might be under renovation.
Yes, the museum provides free lockers where you can store jackets, bags, and other belongings.
The museum offers braille signage, indicating some level of accessibility. It's recommended to contact the museum directly for detailed information on accessibility features.
For the best view during Planetarium shows, visitors are advised to sit in the back rows, specifically one row before the last.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a small restaurant on-site offering items like pasta, pancakes, baked potatoes, and cake.
The cafe offers a selection of simple meals and snacks, including pasta, pancakes, baked potatoes, and cake.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary by exhibition. It's generally advisable to check for signage indicating restrictions, especially in sensitive areas or during planetarium shows.
The impressive dinosaur skeletons and the modern, aesthetic design of the museum offer great photo opportunities. The interactive exhibits can also make for fun, engaging pictures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's important to note that parts of the museum may be under construction, so confirm which sections are open. While most exhibits are in German, the interactive nature of some displays and the sheer awe of the dinosaur skeletons can still provide a fantastic experience. The Planetarium shows are also visually engaging for children, though the narration will be in German. Consider the audio tour if your children are old enough to benefit from it.
🌍 International Visitors
The Planetarium shows are visually stunning and can be enjoyed even with a language barrier, though the narration will be in German. The modern and aesthetic design of the museum itself is also a positive aspect. Be prepared for potential construction, and check the museum's website for the most up-to-date information on open exhibitions. Free lockers are available for your convenience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the LWL Museum: What to Expect
For those who don't speak German, the language barrier can be a consideration. While braille signage is present, the primary language for most exhibits is German. Fortunately, an audio tour is available for purchase (€2) and covers key sections, including the dinosaur and natural history displays. This audio guide significantly enhances the understanding and appreciation of the exhibits for international visitors. The museum's design is noted as modern and aesthetic, contributing to a pleasant overall atmosphere.
Beyond the exhibits, the Planetarium is a standout attraction. Shows focusing on star constellations and the aurora borealis are highly recommended. Visitors suggest sitting in the back rows for the optimal viewing experience. The museum also has a small on-site cafe offering basic refreshments like pasta, pancakes, and cake, and provides free lockers for visitor convenience. Parking is available but incurs a €4 fee.
The Planetarium Experience at LWL Museum
Visitor feedback consistently recommends a specific seating strategy for the best experience: sitting in the back rows, particularly the one just before the last, is advised for optimal viewing of the projected dome. While the shows are primarily in German, the visual spectacle often transcends language barriers. For those seeking a deeper understanding, the audio tour might offer some supplementary information, though its primary focus is on the museum's natural history exhibits.
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