The Schöningen Research Museum, located in the Helmstedt district, is a visitor center and museum that primarily focuses on the exhibition of the Schöningen Spears. These spears are significant as they provide a glimpse into life and environmental conditions around 300,000 years ago. The museum is situated near the discovery site of the spears in the former Schöningen brown coal open-cast mine, adding to the authenticity of the experience.
The museum was initially opened to the public on June 24, 2013, under the name 'paläon'. However, in 2019, it was renamed to the 'Research and Experience Center Schöningen Spears'. This name change reflects the museum's focus on the Schöningen Spears and the historical period they represent.
The museum offers a unique experience by providing a direct view of the open-cast mining hole from which the Schöningen Spears were discovered. Additionally, the museum's 34-hectare outdoor area, known as the paläon, features a pasture with wild horses and plant communities typical of the warm period around 300,000 years ago. This setup allows visitors to visualize and understand the natural environment during the time the spears were created.
History & Anthropology Nature & Natural History Archaeology Animals Open air
#46 History & Anthropology in Lower Saxony #21 Nature & Natural History in Lower Saxony #18 Animal museums in Lower Saxony #9 Archaeology museums in Lower Saxony #8 Open air museums in Lower Saxony #189 Nature & Natural History in Germany #145 Animal museums in Germany #71 Archaeology museums in Germany #42 Open air museums in Germany #106 Open air museums in Europe
March - October
Tuesday - Sunday
10:00 -17:00
November - February
Wednesday - Sunday
11:00 -17:00
Paläon 1, Schöningen
No exhibitions in Paläon Research and Experience Center have been found.
Paläon Research and Experience Center has 1 rating.
The Paläon Research and Experience Center in Schöningen, Germany, offers visitors an engaging look into prehistoric times, with a focus on the famous Schöningen spears. The museum's modern architecture and interactive exhibits receive praise from many visitors. The center does an excellent job of presenting the archaeological findings from the nearby excavation site, providing context to the ancient hunting tools discovered there.
Visitors appreciate the well-designed displays and the opportunity to see replicas of the world's oldest known wooden weapons. The museum offers a good balance of scientific information and interactive elements, making it suitable for both adults and children. The outdoor area, including a viewing platform overlooking the excavation site, adds value to the experience.
However, some visitors note that the museum is relatively small and can be thoroughly explored in a couple of hours. A few reviewers mention that additional content or temporary exhibitions would enhance the overall experience. The remote location can be a drawback for some, but many find the journey worthwhile.
The on-site café receives mixed reviews, with some praising the quality of refreshments while others find it somewhat limited. Despite these minor criticisms, the Paläon Research and Experience Center is generally well-regarded for its educational value and its role in showcasing an important archaeological discovery.
This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.
Discover museums near Paläon Research and Experience Center in or around Schöningen.