Bionicum

Bionicum Nuremberg Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction: Discover Nature-Inspired Innovation at Bionicum Nuremberg

Nestled within the historic Tiergarten Nürnberg (Nuremberg Zoo), the Bionicum is a pioneering science center where nature and technology converge to spark curiosity and inspire innovation. Since opening in 2014, this unique institution has attracted families, students, and tourists alike, offering immersive exhibits that reveal how biological systems inform the latest engineering and sustainable design. With its accessible location, comprehensive educational programs, and recent renovations, the Bionicum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the intersection of biology, evolution, and technology (Bionicum official site).

Quick Guide: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

[Opening Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last admission 5:00 PM). Closed December 24 and 31. Always check the official site for seasonal changes.](#opening-hours:-daily-from-9:00-am-to-6:00-pm-(last-admission-5:00-pm).-closed-december-24-and-31.-always-check-the-official-site-for-seasonal-changes.)
[Tickets: Admission is included with your Tiergarten Nürnberg ticket—€16 for adults, €8 for children aged 6–17. Discounts for families and groups. Buy tickets online.](#tickets:-admission-is-included-with-your-tiergarten-nürnberg-ticket—€16-for-adults,-€8-for-children-aged-6–17.-discounts-for-families-and-groups.-buy-tickets-online.)
Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible, with tactile exhibits and materials in simple language. Assistance dogs are welcome, and staff are trained to support visitors with special needs.

Getting There: Directions and Parking

The Bionicum is located inside the Naturkundehaus at the main entrance to Tiergarten Nürnberg (Am Tiergarten 30, 90480 Nuremberg). Accessible via tram lines 4 and 6 (stop: Tiergarten), with ample on-site parking. For detailed directions, see the Tiergarten Nürnberg website.

What to Expect: Exhibitions, Tours, and Hands-On Discovery

Permanent Exhibition: “Ideenreich Natur” (Realm of Ideas in Nature)

Explore eight interactive zones that reveal how animal and plant adaptations spark human innovation. Highlights include:

Locomotion and Mobility: Gecko-inspired robotics and shark-skin hydrodynamics.
Materials and Surfaces: Water-repellent and scratch-resistant technologies modeled after nature.
Energy and Efficiency: Solar cells and cooling systems inspired by plant pigments and animal adaptations.

Hands-on experiment stations, touchscreens, and augmented reality installations make complex concepts accessible (Bionicum exhibition info).

The Bionic Tour: Linking Museum and Zoo

Take a self-guided “Bionic Tour” through approximately 20 animal enclosures, each paired with interpretive signage explaining the bionic principles behind animal adaptations (Tourismus Nürnberg).

Bionic Garden

Since 2018, the Bionic Garden showcases plant-inspired technology, such as burdock’s hook-and-loop mechanism, horsetail’s structural resilience, and nasturtium’s water-repellent properties.

Interactive Programs and Workshops

School and Family Workshops: Curriculum-aligned and hands-on, available in German and English (advance booking recommended).
Live Robot Demonstrations: On weekends and holidays at 12:00 and 15:00 (NN.de).
Bionics Rally: Self-guided scavenger hunts throughout the zoo.

Recent Developments and Special Exhibitions

After a major renovation in 2024–2025, the Bionicum now features a redesigned central exhibition island focused on evolution and the history of life, with enhanced digital media stations for deeper engagement (SNSB announcement; Tiergarten Nürnberg press release).

Special exhibitions rotate regularly, including “Schillernd schön” (Brilliantly Beautiful), which highlights iridescent specimens and cutting-edge photography, running through the end of 2025.

Family-Friendly Features

Kinderwelten (Children’s Worlds): Dedicated discovery zones for young visitors.
Stroller-Friendly & Accessible Facilities: Barrier-free design, accessible restrooms, and baby-changing stations.
Integrated Ticketing: Entry included with zoo admission, plus options for the “NÜRNBERG CARD + FÜRTH” city pass (Tourismus Nürnberg).

Nearby Nuremberg Attractions

Enhance your trip by visiting:

Nuremberg Castle: Iconic medieval fortress with panoramic city views.
Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds: In-depth exploration of 20th-century history.
Nuremberg Old Town: Historic markets, cafés, and the famous Christkindlesmarkt during the holidays.

Public transport makes it easy to combine these sites with your Bionicum visit.

FAQs: Your Top Questions Answered

Do I need a separate ticket for the Bionicum?
No, entry is included with your Tiergarten Nürnberg ticket.

Is Bionicum suitable for children?
Yes, interactive exhibits and workshops cater to all ages.

Are guided tours available in English?
Yes, but advance booking is recommended.

Is the Bionicum accessible for visitors with disabilities?
Yes, it is fully wheelchair accessible and offers inclusive programming.

Can I take photos inside?
Non-flash photography is allowed for personal use; check signage for special exhibits.

Visitor Tips

Allocate at least 2–3 hours for the full experience.
Wear comfortable shoes for the Bionic Tour.
Download the free “Bionik2Future” app for interactive content.
Arrive early on weekends or school holidays to avoid crowds.
Check the Bionicum website for the latest updates and events.

History and Institutional Development

The Bionicum was founded as part of Bavaria’s “Aufbruch Bayern” initiative, coordinated by the Bavarian Environment Agency with scientific partners from the Nuremberg Institute of Technology and Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg. Opened in 2014, it was the state’s first extracurricular bionics center.

In 2023, Bionicum joined the Staatliche Naturwissenschaftliche Sammlungen Bayerns (SNSB), strengthening its research and educational mission. A major renovation in 2024–2025 ushered in a new era, with expanded themes in evolution, biodiversity, and media-rich learning (SNSB announcement).

Plan Your Visit Today

Whether you’re a science fan, a family seeking educational fun, or a traveler exploring Nuremberg’s culture, the Bionicum offers something for everyone. Purchase your ticket in advance, plan your route, and enjoy a day where nature and technology unite.

For more details, refer to the official Bionicum website and Tiergarten Nürnberg visitor information.