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12 January 2026

Curtain up for taxidermy - special exhibition "People make museums" enters the next round

Totale des Sonderausstellungsraum mit Exponaten, Besuchenden und Infotexten.
Museum of Nature Hamburg

From 13 January, a new part of the exhibition will expand the special exhibition "The Museum Makers" in the zoology department at the Museum der Natur Hamburg. After focussing on research and collections, the third part is now dedicated to taxidermy - a central, mostly hidden area of the museum's work.

The focus is on the biological taxidermists and their work. The exhibition shows how taxidermies, models and dioramas are created: from the restoration of old objects to the production of research specimens and lifelike exhibits. A wide variety of materials and techniques are used - from tanned animal skin and bone to silicone, resin and colour.

Specific examples are used to illustrate how taxidermy works and the role it plays in research, collections and education. At the same time, the exhibition section poses the question of what "real" means and makes it clear that taxidermy is not only a scientific object, but also cultural evidence of its time of origin.

Historical hunting trophies, early dioramas and modern specimens illustrate the changing view of animals and nature. The new section of the exhibition shows taxidermy as an interface between craftsmanship, science and design - and as an essential part of museum work.

Accompanying the exhibition, a supporting programme invites visitors to get to know taxidermy in greater depth. In several events, we provide insights into their work, present insect taxidermy techniques and offer a look behind the scenes of the exhibition "Menschen machen Museum - Präparation".

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