At Westzeedijk 345 in Rotterdam’s Museumpark, the Natural History Museum explores wildlife, fossils and the ways urban growth affects animals and plants. Its collection ranges from insects and shells to mammals and skeletons, with Rotterdam’s parks and waterways given special attention. Look for Ramon, the elephant, and the Domino Sparrow in the exhibition about animals whose lives intersected with human activity. The museum is compact but densely displayed; allow time to follow the stories behind the specimens, and check out the section on the city’s natural environment.
A natural history museum in Villa Dijkzigt
The Natural History Museum Rotterdam was established in 1927 and has occupied Villa Dijkzigt since 1987. The villa dates to 1852 and is a national monument. Its historic setting gives the museum a different character from a purpose-built exhibition hall, while the displays bring together specimens and stories about the natural world.
The collection contains around 400,000 objects. Its subjects include mammals, birds, insects, fish, plants, shells and fossils, with material from Rotterdam and the surrounding region as well as further afield. The exhibits connect natural history to the landscape around the city, including the wildlife found in parks and waterways.
Animals, fossils and urban nature
Taxidermied animals, skeletons and fossils make up much of the collection. Among the specimens to look for are Ramon, an Asian elephant, and the Domino Sparrow. The museum’s exhibition Dead Animal Tales focuses on animals that died through encounters with human activity, showing how the relationship between people and wildlife can have serious consequences.
Rotterdam’s urban ecosystem is another focus. Displays about the city’s parks explain the animals and natural systems found there, while broader exhibitions consider biodiversity and the effects of urbanisation on plants and wildlife. The range of subjects gives the visit a local thread: alongside animals from different environments, you can learn about nature in and around Rotterdam.
Following the displays
The museum combines traditional specimen displays with interactive and immersive elements. A visit can take you from insects and shells to large mammals and fossils, with information that explains the specimens and their place in natural history. One exhibition, Picked up, Fished out, Cut out, brings together fossils found in Dutch soil.
Families can make use of activities for children, and the museum has a small shop, lockers and toilets. Its compact size makes it possible to see the collection in about an hour, though allowing 60 to 90 minutes gives you more time to read the displays and explore the Rotterdam nature section. The museum is closed on Mondays and open Tuesday to Sunday, from 11 am to 5 pm.
FAQ
How long do you need at the Natural History Museum Rotterdam?
Allow about 60 to 90 minutes to explore the museum and its displays.
What can you see at the Natural History Museum Rotterdam?
The collection includes mammals, birds, insects, fish, plants, shells, skeletons and fossils. Look for Ramon the elephant, the Domino Sparrow and displays about Rotterdam’s urban nature.
Is the Natural History Museum Rotterdam suitable for children?
Yes. The museum has activities for children as well as displays about animals and nature.
Where is the Natural History Museum Rotterdam?
It is at Westzeedijk 345, in Rotterdam’s Museumpark.
