Gondwana - Das Praehistorium
Saarland
Gondwana - Das Praehistorium is a natural history experience museum located on the site of the former Reden coal mine in Saarland, Germany. Opened in December 2008 and expanded in 2013, it offers visitors an educational journey through more than 4.5 billion years of Earth's history, from the Big Bang to the rise of humanity. The museum features life-sized dinosaur skeletons, including a meticulously reconstructed Argentinosaurus, created under the supervision of Argentine paleontologist Prof. Rodolfo Coria. Visitors begin their experience in a cinema presenting the timeline of evolution and continue through exhibits that recreate ancient ecosystems with realistic animatronics and audiovisual effects. Highlights include giant prehistoric scorpions, ancient dragonflies, and dynamic recreations of natural disasters such as floods and meteorite impacts. The 2013 expansion introduced twelve new thematic worlds focusing on key milestones in human history, culminating in the world's largest robotic animatronic dinosaur show and a 4D animation of the prehistoric Megalodon shark. The museum combines education and entertainment to bring prehistoric times vividly to life, appealing to all ages, especially families and children.
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Astuce: For the best experience, visit during weekdays or outside school holidays to avoid crowds. Advance online ticket purchase is recommended, especially for weekends and holidays. Families can enjoy the indoor playground 'Gondi’s Dinowelt' featuring dinosaur-themed play structures. Discounts may be available for groups, children, and seniors. Check the official website for current opening hours and special events.
Faits intéressants
- •The Argentinosaurus skeleton at the entrance was reconstructed under the supervision of Argentine paleontologist Prof. Rodolfo Coria at the original Patagonian excavation site and shipped to Germany.
- •The museum features the world's largest robotic animatronic dinosaur show.
- •A 4D animation of the prehistoric Megalodon shark is part of the exhibition.
- •The museum combines edutainment by using animatronics, audiovisual effects, and recreated ecosystems to bring Earth's history to life.
- •The indoor playground 'Gondi’s Dinowelt' includes an 8-meter-high wooden dinosaur structure and various dinosaur-themed play areas.
Histoire
Gondwana - Das Praehistorium opened on December 14, 2008, on the grounds of the former Reden coal mine in Saarland.
Initially focused on Earth's prehistoric past, the museum underwent a significant expansion in 2013, adding twelve thematic areas dedicated to human history.
The museum project was politically controversial due to concerns about public funding, with initial investments supported by the Saarland government.
Despite early expectations of attracting 250,000 visitors annually, attendance declined over time.
The museum faced potential closure in 2010 but remained open after negotiations with the state government.
The expansion and continuous development have established Gondwana as a key cultural and educational attraction in the region.
Guide du lieu
Entrance Hall with Argentinosaurus Skeleton2008
Visitors are welcomed by a life-sized Argentinosaurus skeleton, meticulously reconstructed under expert supervision and serving as an iconic symbol of the museum's focus on prehistoric life.
Time Travel Cinema2008
A cinematic presentation that guides visitors through over eight billion years of cosmic and Earth history, from the Big Bang to the emergence of humans, setting the stage for the museum journey.
Prehistoric Ecosystems Exhibition2008
Exhibits recreate ancient oceans, forests, and landscapes featuring life-sized animatronics of prehistoric creatures like giant scorpions and dragonflies, complemented by audiovisual effects simulating natural disasters such as floods and meteor impacts.
Gondi’s Dinowelt Indoor Playground2011
An 800 m² indoor playground designed for children, featuring an 8-meter-high wooden dinosaur structure, slides, trampolines, a ball volcano, and dinosaur-themed carts, combining play with prehistoric themes.
Human History Thematic Worlds Expansion2013
Added in 2013, twelve new thematic exhibition areas explore epochal highlights of human history, concluding with the world's largest robotic animatronic dinosaur show and a 4D animation of the Megalodon shark.
Contact
Téléphone: 06821 9316325
