29 November 2017
Working towards a new museum of natural history in HamburgNew Hamburg Foundation of Natural History
Photo: Christian Schnabel
The Foundation’s main goal is to retool the significant Museum of Natural History, which was destroyed in the Second World War, turning it into a centrally located Evolutioneum and beacon of excellent science and modern teaching in the field of natural history research.
Prof. Dr. Dieter Lenzen, President of Universität Hamburg: “The establishment of this foundation with the goal of rebuilding the Hamburg Museum of Natural History is a huge step towards realizing the Evolutioneum in Hamburg. Yet it cannot be done without private initiative. I appeal to the citizens of Hamburg: we would be delighted if you would donate towards the rebuilding of the Museum of Natural History, a place where young and old alike can learn to treat nature responsibly and with respect.”
The Evolutioneum has been conceived as an innovative, 21st century natural history museum and forum for interdisciplinary exchange on topics related to the genesis and evolution of life on Earth and the role of humankind in nature. A hands-on exhibition integrating various media will make natural history tangible and promote the preservation of irreplaceable biological diversity and sustainability in the natural world. The Center of Natural History (CeNak) founded in 2014 will form the core of the Evolutioneum.
The overarching aims of the Foundation of Natural History are to preserve, expand, research, and exploit Hamburg’s natural history collections. Another goal is to teach the broader public, especially children and adolescents, about natural history and research issues through exhibitions and events.
Founding member Prof. Dr. Harald Schliemann, chair of the board of the natural history association in Hamburg: “Hamburg’s old Museum of Natural History that was founded in 1843 and destroyed 100 years later has been revived thanks to the initiative of the natural history association. We feel bound to continue with this tradition and are delighted to guide the founding of a new natural history museum, an institution that has been sorely missed in Hamburg.”
Founding member Prof. Dr. Horst Wilkens, chair of the society of friends of the Hamburg Zoological Museum: “Children and adults in cities are becoming ever more alienated from the natural world. A revived Hamburg Museum of Natural History can counter this trend and strengthen our city as a place of scientific pursuit. We, the friends of the Hamburg Zoological Museum, are convinced that this important Hamburg project will enjoy great support.”