EICHSTÄTT: The Jura-Museum Eichstätt

Abstract

The Jura-Museum Eichstätt is caretaker of the Natural History Collections of the Bishop’s Seminary in Eichstätt (Germany). The historical teaching and research collection is constantly enriched by palaeontological excavations in the Solnhofen limestone region of Bavaria. The collection is especially rich in excellently preserved fossil fishes (some 6500 specimens). The collection is available as a research tool for guest scientists and also caters for specialists’ meetings. The Jura-Museum Eichstätt itself is the public window of the collection. Exhibitions address e.g. bird evolution, pterosaurs, ecology of the Upper Jurassic Solnhofen Archipelago and “living fossils” in its aquarium. The education department provides guided tours and various other activities such as fieldtrips, lectures and workshops.