University Of Copenhagen Zoological Museum

University of Copenhagen Zoological Museum Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Situated in the heart of Copenhagen, the University of Copenhagen Zoological Museum stands as one of Europe’s oldest and most revered natural history institutions. With roots tracing back to the 17th century, the museum has evolved from a scholarly collection into a modern cultural landmark, housing millions of specimens from Denmark, Greenland, the Faroe Islands, and beyond (Wikipedia). Now part of the Natural History Museum of Denmark and relocated to the Copenhagen Botanical Garden, the museum offers visitors a comprehensive journey through the wonders of biodiversity, scientific research, and cultural heritage.

This detailed guide covers the museum’s history, collections, visiting hours, ticketing, practical travel information, must-see exhibits, and upcoming developments, ensuring you have all the essential details to plan a memorable visit.

Historical Overview

Origins and Growth

Founded on collections dating back to the 17th century, the Zoological Museum reflects the Danish monarchy’s scientific curiosity and the University of Copenhagen’s scholarly tradition. Over the centuries, it expanded through acquisitions, donations, and expeditions, mirroring Denmark’s global engagement in natural history research (Wikipedia).

Collections and Research

The museum boasts millions of specimens, including mammals, birds, insects, fish, and unique paleontological finds such as mammoth bones and prehistoric fossils (Unistica). Notable highlights include the internationally renowned Coleoptera collection and the “Det dyrebare” exhibition, featuring rare and significant objects accumulated over four centuries (Coleoptera Collection).

A vital center for scientific research, the museum is home to the Copenhagen Bird Ringing Centre—one of the world’s largest bird ringing databases—and actively supports taxonomy, macroecology, and conservation biology through international collaborations (Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate).

Planning Your Visit

Location

Address: Northeastern corner of the Copenhagen Botanical Garden, Universitetsparken 15, Østerbro, 2100 Copenhagen (official website)
Access: Easily reached by metro, bus, and bicycle; a short walk from Nørreport Station.

Visiting Hours

Tuesday–Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Monday: Closed
Note: Visiting hours may vary on public holidays. Always confirm on the official museum website.

Ticket Information

Adults: DKK 120
Students/Seniors: DKK 80
Children under 18: Free
Family tickets: Available
Combined tickets: Offered for the Geological Museum and other nearby attractions (myguidecopenhagen.com)
Purchase: Buy tickets online or at the museum entrance.

Facilities & Accessibility

Wheelchair Accessible: Elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms throughout.
Amenities: Café, gift shop, and modern restroom facilities.
Family-Friendly: Stroller rentals, play zones, interactive exhibits, and picnic areas nearby.

Travel Tips

Arrive early, especially on weekends or school holidays, to avoid crowds.
Combine your visit with the adjacent Botanical Garden or Geological Museum.
Guided tours are available in Danish and English—book in advance for specialized experiences.
Allocate at least 1.5 to 2 hours for a full visit.

Must-See Exhibits

From Pole to Pole

This immersive exhibition guides visitors through global ecosystems, from the Arctic tundra to the Antarctic, showcasing life-sized taxidermy of polar bears, musk oxen, reindeer, lions, and elephants. The exhibit demonstrates the interconnectedness of life and the adaptations of species to diverse environments (whichmuseum.com).

Charles Darwin Collection

The museum’s Darwin collection is the largest outside the UK, including Darwin’s barnacle specimens and original manuscripts that illuminate the development of evolutionary theory (Wikipedia).

Danish Realm and Greenlandic Fauna

Extensive displays cover the animals of Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands, with a focus on Arctic and North Atlantic species such as seals, walruses, and seabirds (whichmuseum.com).

Extinct and Endangered Species

Discover rare specimens such as a complete dodo skull, remains of the last great auks, pied raven specimens, and early saola remains—a compelling reminder of biodiversity’s fragility (Wikipedia).

Fossils and Prehistoric Life

Highlights include Ichthyostega fossils (key to understanding vertebrate evolution), a Diplodocus skeleton, and impressive mammoth and giant elk reconstructions (myguidecopenhagen.com).

Whale Hall and Marine Life

Suspended whale skeletons create a dramatic centerpiece, accompanied by interactive exhibits on marine biology and ocean conservation (whichmuseum.com).

Interactive and Hands-On Exhibits

Touch specimens, digital kiosks, and augmented reality features help visitors of all ages engage with the natural world in a tactile, educational way (myguidecopenhagen.com).

Visitor Experience

Layout and Accessibility

The museum’s new home in the Botanical Garden features intuitive navigation, clear bilingual signage, and full accessibility for wheelchair users (uniavisen.dk).

Atmosphere

Combining traditional displays with modern multimedia installations, the museum is both scholarly and family-friendly (whichmuseum.com).

Educational Value

Panels, guided tours, and a reference library (founded in 1770) ensure rich educational opportunities for all visitors (myguidecopenhagen.com).

Family Features

Dedicated play zones, scavenger hunts, and workshops make the museum ideal for families (triphobo.com).

Visitor Feedback

Guests appreciate the thoroughness of the exhibits and the museum’s scientific rigor. Most spend 1.5–2 hours exploring, with peak times around midday (whichmuseum.com).

Cultural Impact

Scientific Legacy

As one of Europe’s oldest zoological institutions, the museum’s 14 million catalogued entries support research in taxonomy, evolution, and environmental monitoring (Alastair Philip Wiper; EDMO). Its collections are instrumental for global studies and have aided in landmark discoveries.

Public Engagement

Engaging exhibitions, educational programs, and collaborations with university departments ensure the museum remains at the forefront of science communication and outreach (EDMO).

Artistic Influence

From inspiring Jules Verne’s “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea” to attracting photographers and artists, the museum’s collections are woven into Danish cultural life (Alastair Philip Wiper; Visit Copenhagen).

Future Developments

The New Natural History Museum of Denmark

The new central facility will unite zoological, botanical, and geological collections in a state-of-the-art building. Expanded exhibition spaces, interactive displays, and behind-the-scenes tours will provide an even richer visitor experience (Alastair Philip Wiper).

Preservation and Digitization

Ongoing digitization projects ensure specimen data are accessible worldwide for research and education (Alastair Philip Wiper).

Community and Research

Citizen science initiatives, volunteer programs, and collaborative exhibitions will continue to drive engagement and research on biodiversity and environmental change (SNM).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the museum’s opening hours?
A: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM; closed on Mondays.

Q: How much do tickets cost?
A: Adults: DKK 120; Students/Seniors: DKK 80; Children under 18: Free.

Q: Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, with full facilities for visitors with disabilities.

Q: How can I buy tickets?
A: Online via the official website or at the entrance.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, in Danish and English; booking in advance is recommended.

Q: What nearby attractions are there?
A: Botanical Garden, Geological Museum, Rosenborg Castle, and the National Museum of Denmark.

Final Tips

Check the official website for the latest updates on opening hours, events, and ticketing.
Download the Audiala app for audio guides and interactive maps.
Consider combined tickets to explore more of Copenhagen’s scientific and cultural heritage.