... natural world. To do this, a new entrance concept was created, with visitors coming from the adjacent park through a series of slightly sloping botanic gardens, which – supported by touch and sound installations – have the effect of mentally preparing visitors for the habitats they encounter inside. At the end of the theme gardens, the visitors enter the museum through a large-scale glass façade into a newly created underground floor, where they are welcomed by an impressive delegation from the animal kingdom. Via a staircase designed in the form of a DNA helix, they make their way upwards, going past life forms in various stages of evolution: in water, on land and in the air. The permanent exhibition itself was completely redesigned without destroying the charm of the historic setting. For instance, a series of glass display cases artistically integrated into the wall was painstakingly restored and incorporated into the overall spatial concept, which is dominated by a huge installation in the form of a wave. This waves serves simultaneously as a display case, a graphic display, a seating option and a projection area, and leads visitors on an informative journey of discovery into the world of natural history. At certain times, the entire room turns into a three-dimensional multimedia show that makes the animals come alive. Other elements of the overall museum concept include flexible spaces for alternating exhibitions in the underground floor, plus a “Musée des Tous Petits”, where natural history is reinterpreted for toddlers: “Touching is encouraged”.

In accordance with our basic philosophy, great emphasis was placed on the use of harmless substances and the most ecological building materials possible in the reconstruction of this museum.