14.07.2025, The Museum Makers: Collections

Our museums are an experience for visitors - but of course natural history doesn't stop there. Beyond the permanent exhibitions, many people work on studies, prepare animals or work on educational programmes. "People make museums" introduces these minds in more detail and shows what exciting tasks await us in a natural history museum. Having already taken a closer look at research, the new section of the exhibition from 14 July to 17 November 2025 is dedicated to the collections at the Museum der Natur Hamburg.

With the focus on "Collections", we show what is otherwise hidden: For example, how new spider species are discovered and described. How sensitive mammal specimens are preserved for decades. And how modern databases help not only to preserve knowledge, but also to make it accessible worldwide.

In Hamburg alone, our researchers and specialists look after around 10 million objects - spread across 14 collections with very different specialisations. But who are the people behind these collections? What professions arise from this work? Which people make museums?

The new special exhibition section not only provides answers to these questions, but also opens doors: with guided tours into otherwise inaccessible collection areas, hands-on activities and space for your own collection stories. Impressions can be shared on our post-it wall - and if you like, you can even bring your own collection or download our collection booklet for personal curating at home.

After the focus on research, Collections is now the second of a total of six exhibition sections that provide an insight into the diverse work at the Museum der Natur Hamburg. It will be on display until 17 November 2025, when it will be replaced by the upcoming focus on "Taxidermy". Further information on the series and the associated events can be found here.