M

Museum Of Natural History At University Of Wrocław

Wroclaw, Poland

Museum of Natural History Wrocław: Complete Visiting Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

The Museum of Natural History at the University of Wrocław (Muzeum Przyrodnicze Uniwersytetu Wrocławskiego) stands as one of Central Europe’s most important institutions dedicated to the study and preservation of natural heritage. Established in the early 19th century, it houses over 3 million specimens spanning zoology, botany, paleontology, and mineralogy, playing a crucial role in research, education, and public engagement. Centrally located on Sienkiewicza Street, near the Botanical Garden and Ostrów Tumski, the museum combines academic tradition with modern exhibitions, making it an essential stop for anyone interested in natural sciences or Wrocław’s rich cultural landscape (Museum of Natural History Wrocław History, University of Wrocław History).

Table of Contents

History and Significance

Origins and Foundation

The museum’s roots extend to the early 19th century, following the 1811 reorganization of the University of Wrocław (formerly Leopoldina) and the transfer of collections from the University of Frankfurt (Oder). Notable early curators like Johann Ludwig Christian Gravenhorst and August Assmann helped build the foundation of the museum’s scientific stature (Museum of Natural History Wrocław History, University of Wrocław History).

Growth in the 19th Century

Throughout the 1800s, the museum expanded rapidly through scientific expeditions, exchanges, and donations. Its collections grew to include significant zoological, botanical, and geological specimens, paralleling the development of similar institutions across Europe (Polish Museums).

Silesian & European Context

Located in Silesia—a region with a layered German, Polish, and Czech heritage—the museum’s collections reflect the area’s complex cultural and scientific history. Its participation in European networks and academic exchanges fostered a reputation for excellence (Silesian History).

Twentieth Century Changes

The devastation of World War II led to the loss and displacement of many specimens. After the war, Polish scholars led reconstruction efforts, restoring the museum as a center for research and public education (Wrocław History).


Collections Overview

Zoological Collections

Boasting over 2.5 million animal specimens, the museum’s zoological collection is among the largest in Poland. Iconic displays include the skeletons of the Giant Elk and Blue Whale, as well as rare and extinct species such as the Great Auk and Thylacine (its-poland.com, uwr.edu.pl).

Entomological & Invertebrate Collections

The entomology department features one of the world’s largest collections of ichneumons (parasitic wasps) and a globally significant slug collection. Vast arrays of butterflies, beetles, and corals provide insight into invertebrate diversity (uwr.edu.pl).

Botanical & Herbarium Holdings

The herbarium contains approximately 500,000 plant specimens, making it one of the largest and most scientifically valuable in Poland. Displays include rare and endangered plants, fungi, and historical botanical illustrations (uwr.edu.pl).

Paleontology & Mineralogy

Prehistoric fossils—including dinosaur bones, Ice Age mammals, and Baltic amber—complement a mineralogical collection of over 20,000 specimens, highlighting Silesia’s geological richness (nomads-travel-guide.com).


Exhibitions and Highlights

Permanent Exhibitions

  • World of Animals: Dioramas and preserved specimens showcase animal diversity and adaptation.
  • Insects and Man: Examines human-insect interactions.
  • World of Plants: Highlights ecological roles and diversity of plant life.
  • Skeletal System of Vertebrates: Features vertebrate anatomy through extensive skeletal displays (its-poland.com).

Temporary & Thematic Displays

Rotating exhibitions focus on topics like global insect diversity, Baltic amber, and conservation of extinct and endangered species. Interactive and hands-on stations make the museum engaging for all ages (museum’s events page).


Visitor Information

Visiting Hours & Ticket Prices

  • Typical Opening Hours:

  • Admission Fees:

    • Adult: 14–15 PLN
    • Reduced: 8–10 PLN
    • Family: 30 PLN
    • Children under 7: Free
    • Free entry on the first Sunday of every month.

Check the official museum website for the most current details.

Getting There & Accessibility

Located at 21 Sienkiewicza Street, the museum is easily accessible by tram, bus, or on foot from the city center. Facilities include ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Advance notice is recommended for visitors with special needs (Nomads Travel Guide).

Guided Tours & Educational Programs

Guided tours are available in Polish and English and must be booked in advance. The museum also offers regular workshops for schools and families, and hosts special lectures and events throughout the year.

Photography & Visitor Services

  • Photography: Permitted in most areas, but without flash. Temporary exhibitions may have restrictions.
  • Visitor Services: Cloakroom, restrooms, a small café, and a gift shop.
  • Family-Friendly: Interactive displays, tactile exhibits, and child-friendly content.

Travel Tips & Nearby Attractions

  • Plan 1–2 hours for your visit.
  • Combine your visit with the nearby University Botanical Garden, Ostrów Tumski, Wrocław Market Square, or Centennial Hall.
  • Visit on weekday mornings for a quieter experience.
  • Public transport is recommended due to limited parking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the museum’s opening hours?
A: Tuesday–Friday: 9:00–15:00; Saturday–Sunday: 10:00–16:00; closed Mondays.

Q: How much are tickets?
A: Adults: 14–15 PLN; Reduced: 8–10 PLN; Family: 30 PLN. Free entry on the first Sunday of the month.

Q: Is the museum accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, in Polish and English, with advance booking.

Q: Can I take photos inside?
A: Yes, except with flash or in certain temporary exhibitions.

Q: What attractions are nearby?
A: Botanical Garden, Ostrów Tumski, Market Square, and Centennial Hall.


Conclusion

The Museum of Natural History Wrocław is a premier destination for anyone interested in the wonders of the natural world. With its extensive collections, engaging exhibitions, and central location near Wrocław’s top historical sites, it offers a rewarding experience for visitors of all ages. Before visiting, check the latest hours and ticket prices on the official museum website. Enhance your exploration with interactive guides such as the Audiala app, and follow the museum’s social media for updates on special events and temporary exhibitions.


References


Visit The Most Interesting Places In Wroclaw

4 Market Square In Wrocław
4 Market Square In Wrocław
45 Kazimierza Wielkiego Street In Wrocław
45 Kazimierza Wielkiego Street In Wrocław
48 Szewska Street, Wrocław
48 Szewska Street, Wrocław
49 Szewska Street, Wrocław
49 Szewska Street, Wrocław
A8 Autostrada
A8 Autostrada
Africarium
Africarium
Aleksander Fredro Monument In Wrocław
Aleksander Fredro Monument In Wrocław
|
  Archbishop'S Palace, Wrocław
| Archbishop'S Palace, Wrocław
Archdiocesan Museum In Wrocław
Archdiocesan Museum In Wrocław
Archiwum Państwowe We Wrocławiu
Archiwum Państwowe We Wrocławiu
Aula Leopoldina
Aula Leopoldina
Ballestrem Palace In Wrocław
Ballestrem Palace In Wrocław
|
  Barasch Brothers' Department Store
| Barasch Brothers' Department Store
Bastion Ceglarski, Wrocław
Bastion Ceglarski, Wrocław
Bear Fountain In Wrocław
Bear Fountain In Wrocław
Bengaluru
Bengaluru
Betsaal In The Israeli Hospital
Betsaal In The Israeli Hospital
Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills
Biskupin
Biskupin
Bojownikom O Wyzwolenie Narodowe I Społeczne
Bojownikom O Wyzwolenie Narodowe I Społeczne
Boleslaus I Monument In Wrocław
Boleslaus I Monument In Wrocław
Bulwar Marii I Lecha Kaczyńskich
Bulwar Marii I Lecha Kaczyńskich
Cemetery Of Polish Soldiers In Wrocław
Cemetery Of Polish Soldiers In Wrocław
Centennial Hall
Centennial Hall
Chaczkar
Chaczkar
Church Of Saint Adalbert In Wrocław
Church Of Saint Adalbert In Wrocław
Church Of St. Dorothea
Church Of St. Dorothea
Church Of St. Vincent
Church Of St. Vincent
City Museum Of Wrocław
City Museum Of Wrocław
Collegiate Church Of The Holy Cross And St. Bartholomew In Wrocław
Collegiate Church Of The Holy Cross And St. Bartholomew In Wrocław
Collegium Maximum In Wrocław
Collegium Maximum In Wrocław
Corpus Christi Church, Wrocław
Corpus Christi Church, Wrocław
Courtly Church In Wrocław
Courtly Church In Wrocław
Cupid On The Pegasus Monument
Cupid On The Pegasus Monument
Diana Monument In Wrocław
Diana Monument In Wrocław
Dominikański Square, Wrocław
Dominikański Square, Wrocław
Dworzec Wrocław
Dworzec Wrocław
Fencer Sculpture, Wrocław
Fencer Sculpture, Wrocław
Filharmonia Im. Witolda Lutosławskiego
Filharmonia Im. Witolda Lutosławskiego
Fontanna Alegoria Walki I Zwycięstwa
Fontanna Alegoria Walki I Zwycięstwa
Four Denominations District
Four Denominations District
Four Domes Pavilion, Wrocław
Four Domes Pavilion, Wrocław
Frederic Chopin Monument In Wrocław
Frederic Chopin Monument In Wrocław
Friedrich Schiller Monument In Wrocław
Friedrich Schiller Monument In Wrocław
General Tadeusz Kościuszko Military University Of Land Forces
General Tadeusz Kościuszko Military University Of Land Forces
Grabiszyński Cemetery
Grabiszyński Cemetery
Grunwald Square
Grunwald Square
Grunwaldzki Bridge
Grunwaldzki Bridge
Hatzfeld Palace In Wrocław
Hatzfeld Palace In Wrocław
Historic Centre Of Wrocław
Historic Centre Of Wrocław
Hohenlohe Palace In Wrocław
Hohenlohe Palace In Wrocław
|
  Hollenders' Palace In Wrocław
| Hollenders' Palace In Wrocław
House Of The Griffins
House Of The Griffins
House Under The Golden Sun
House Under The Golden Sun
Hydropolis
Hydropolis
Iglica
Iglica
Ioannes Xxiii Monument In Wrocław
Ioannes Xxiii Monument In Wrocław
Japanese Garden In Wrocław
Japanese Garden In Wrocław
Jaz Psie Pole
Jaz Psie Pole
John Paul Ii Square, Wrocław
John Paul Ii Square, Wrocław
Karol Linneusz Monument In Wrocław
Karol Linneusz Monument In Wrocław
Katyń Monument In Wrocław
Katyń Monument In Wrocław
Kolejkowo
Kolejkowo
Leipziger Palace In Wrocław
Leipziger Palace In Wrocław
Leśnica Castle
Leśnica Castle
Lower Silesian Digital Library
Lower Silesian Digital Library
Lubomirski Museum
Lubomirski Museum
|
  Manor "Dworek Oporowski" In Wrocław
| Manor "Dworek Oporowski" In Wrocław
Maślice
Maślice
Mathematical Tower
Mathematical Tower
Mennicza Street
Mennicza Street
Milenijny Bridge
Milenijny Bridge
Monopol Hotel
Monopol Hotel
Monument Of John Of Nepomuk And Church Of The Holy Cross In Wrocław
Monument Of John Of Nepomuk And Church Of The Holy Cross In Wrocław
Museum Of Architecture, Wrocław
Museum Of Architecture, Wrocław
Museum Of Motorisation Topacz In Ślęza
Museum Of Motorisation Topacz In Ślęza
Museum Of Natural History At University Of Wrocław
Museum Of Natural History At University Of Wrocław
Museum Of The University Of Wrocław
Museum Of The University Of Wrocław
Muzeum Poczty I Telekomunikacji Wrocław
Muzeum Poczty I Telekomunikacji Wrocław
Nankiera Square, Wrocław
Nankiera Square, Wrocław
National Forum Of Music
National Forum Of Music
National Museum In Wrocław
National Museum In Wrocław
National Road 98
National Road 98
New Market Square In Wrocław
New Market Square In Wrocław
Nicolaus Copernicus Park
Nicolaus Copernicus Park
Northern Hydroelectric Plant In Wrocław
Northern Hydroelectric Plant In Wrocław
Ofiarom Stalinizmu
Ofiarom Stalinizmu
Oława Gate, Wrocław
Oława Gate, Wrocław
Oławska Street
Oławska Street
Ołbin Abbey
Ołbin Abbey
Old Jewish Cemetery
Old Jewish Cemetery
Ołtaszyn
Ołtaszyn
Olympic Stadium  In Wrocław
Olympic Stadium In Wrocław
Orthodox Cathedral Of The Nativity Of The Virgin Mary In Wrocław
Orthodox Cathedral Of The Nativity Of The Virgin Mary In Wrocław
Osobowice Cemetery
Osobowice Cemetery
Otto Von Bismarck Monument In Wrocław
Otto Von Bismarck Monument In Wrocław
Otwarte Muzeum Odry
Otwarte Muzeum Odry
Pałac Oppersdorfów
Pałac Oppersdorfów
Pawłowice Park, Palace And Folwark In Wrocław
Pawłowice Park, Palace And Folwark In Wrocław
Pentecostal Church In Wrocław
Pentecostal Church In Wrocław
Pergola In Wroclaw
Pergola In Wroclaw
Piaskowa Lock In Wrocław
Piaskowa Lock In Wrocław
Pilczyce-Kozanów-Popowice Północne
Pilczyce-Kozanów-Popowice Północne
Pillory In Wrocław
Pillory In Wrocław
Pionierów Wrocławskich Square, Wrocław
Pionierów Wrocławskich Square, Wrocław
Plac Ludwika Hirszfelda
Plac Ludwika Hirszfelda
Plac Teatralny We Wrocławiu
Plac Teatralny We Wrocławiu
Plac Wolności We Wrocławiu
Plac Wolności We Wrocławiu
Podwale Street In Wrocław
Podwale Street In Wrocław
Polish Theatre In Wrocław
Polish Theatre In Wrocław
Pomeranian Bridges
Pomeranian Bridges
Pomnik Pracowników Odrzańskiej Drogi Wodnej
Pomnik Pracowników Odrzańskiej Drogi Wodnej
Pomnik Zesłańców Sybiru We Wrocławiu
Pomnik Zesłańców Sybiru We Wrocławiu
Przedmieście Oławskie
Przedmieście Oławskie
Q16573607
Q16573607
Racławice Panorama
Racławice Panorama
Rędzin Weir In Wrocław
Rędzin Weir In Wrocław
Rędziński Bridge
Rędziński Bridge
Renoma
Renoma
Ruska Street
Ruska Street
Rybisch House, Wrocław
Rybisch House, Wrocław
Rynek
Rynek
Saint Augustinus Church In Wrocław
Saint Augustinus Church In Wrocław
|
  Saint Giles' Church
| Saint Giles' Church
Saint Lawrence Cemetery, Wrocław
Saint Lawrence Cemetery, Wrocław
Saint Maria Of The Sand
Saint Maria Of The Sand
Saints Cyril And Methodius Church In Wrocław
Saints Cyril And Methodius Church In Wrocław
Salzring
Salzring
Schaffgotsch Palace In Wrocław
Schaffgotsch Palace In Wrocław
Silesian Museum Of Fine Arts
Silesian Museum Of Fine Arts
Sky Tower
Sky Tower
Soviet Officers Cemetery In Wrocław
Soviet Officers Cemetery In Wrocław
Space Research Centre Of Polish Academy Of Sciences
Space Research Centre Of Polish Academy Of Sciences
St. Christopher Church In Wrocław
St. Christopher Church In Wrocław
|
  St. Elizabeth'S Church
| St. Elizabeth'S Church
|
  St. Martin'S Church In Wrocław
| St. Martin'S Church In Wrocław
St Mary Magdalene Church, Wrocław
St Mary Magdalene Church, Wrocław
Stablowice
Stablowice
Stadion Miejski
Stadion Miejski
Stadion Oporowska
Stadion Oporowska
Statue Of John Of Nepomuk
Statue Of John Of Nepomuk
|
  Stolbergs' Palace In Wrocław
| Stolbergs' Palace In Wrocław
Stwosza Street
Stwosza Street
Świętego Mikołaja Street
Świętego Mikołaja Street
Szczytnicki Park
Szczytnicki Park
Taschenbastion
Taschenbastion
Teatr Muzyczny Capitol
Teatr Muzyczny Capitol
Trasa W-Z
Trasa W-Z
Tumski Bridge
Tumski Bridge
University Church Of The Blessed Name Of Jesus In Wrocław
University Church Of The Blessed Name Of Jesus In Wrocław
University Of Physical Education In Wrocław
University Of Physical Education In Wrocław
University Of Wrocław
University Of Wrocław
University Square
University Square
Upa Victims Monument In Wrocław
Upa Victims Monument In Wrocław
Wallenberg-Pachaly Palace In Wrocław
Wallenberg-Pachaly Palace In Wrocław
White Stork Synagogue
White Stork Synagogue
Włodkowica Street
Włodkowica Street
Workplace And House Exhibition
Workplace And House Exhibition
Wrocław
Wrocław
Wrocław – Copernicus Airport
Wrocław – Copernicus Airport
Wrocław Brochów
Wrocław Brochów
Wrocław Cathedral
Wrocław Cathedral
Wroclaw Contemporary Museum
Wroclaw Contemporary Museum
Wroclaw Feature Film Studio
Wroclaw Feature Film Studio
Wrocław Główny
Wrocław Główny
Wroclaw Hydroelectric Power Plant
Wroclaw Hydroelectric Power Plant
Wrocław Market Hall
Wrocław Market Hall
Wrocław Medical University
Wrocław Medical University
Wrocław Muchobór
Wrocław Muchobór
Wrocław Multimedia Fountain
Wrocław Multimedia Fountain
Wrocław New Jewish Cemetery
Wrocław New Jewish Cemetery
Wrocław New Town Hall
Wrocław New Town Hall
Wrocław Old Town
Wrocław Old Town
Wrocław Opera
Wrocław Opera
Wrocław Palace
Wrocław Palace
Wrocław Popowice
Wrocław Popowice
Wrocław Puppet Theater
Wrocław Puppet Theater
Wrocław South Park
Wrocław South Park
Wrocław Świebodzki
Wrocław Świebodzki
Wrocław Town Hall
Wrocław Town Hall
Wrocław University Botanical Garden
Wrocław University Botanical Garden
Wrocław University Library
Wrocław University Library
Wrocław University Of Environmental And Life Sciences
Wrocław University Of Environmental And Life Sciences
Wrocław University Of Science And Technology
Wrocław University Of Science And Technology
Wrocław Water Tower
Wrocław Water Tower
Wrocław Zoological Garden
Wrocław Zoological Garden
Wrocławski Teatr Współczesny
Wrocławski Teatr Współczesny
Wyższa Szkoła Filologiczna
Wyższa Szkoła Filologiczna
Zacisze, Wrocław
Zacisze, Wrocław
Zülzer Synagogue
Zülzer Synagogue
Zwierzyniecka Footbridge
Zwierzyniecka Footbridge
Zwierzyniecki Bridge
Zwierzyniecki Bridge