Jurassic Museum Aalen

Nestled in the heart of Aalen, the Jurassic Museum Aalen (known locally as Urweltmuseum Aalen) invites you to step back in time to an era when dinosaurs roamed the earth and the landscape was vastly different from today. This captivating museum, housed in the historic old town hall with its iconic Spionturm, is a treasure trove for geology and paleontology enthusiasts.

A Journey Through Time

The Jurassic Museum Aalen is a beacon for those fascinated by the geological wonders of the Jurassic period. Aalen and its surroundings are renowned as a geological mecca for this era, with layers of Black, Brown, and White Jurassic rocks found nearby. The museum's exhibits take you on a chronological journey through these ancient layers, beginning with fossils from the Triassic period and culminating in the Quaternary.

As you wander through the museum's two floors, you'll encounter meticulously prepared fossils that bring the ancient Jurassic sea to life. Marvel at the array of sea lilies, sea urchins, corals, and ammonites, including the dazzling pyrite-encrusted golden ammonites and the colossal shells of giant ammonites. These specimens, sourced from the region around Aalen, offer a vivid glimpse into the prehistoric past.

Exhibits and Attractions

The museum's permanent collection is a testament to the rich geological history of the region. Among the highlights are fossilized skulls (casts) of large dinosaurs and a fascinating station dedicated to the world of microfossils. Interactive displays, including animal reconstructions and video stations, enhance your understanding of this ancient world.

Informative panels and diagrams provide geological insights, explaining the formation of the Ostalb region and the structure of the Southwest German cuesta landscape. The museum also points visitors to local geological and paleontological features, such as the Nördlinger Ries and Steinheim Basin meteorite craters, and the UNESCO World Heritage caves of the Swabian Jura, known for their Ice Age art.

Special Exhibitions and Activities

The Jurassic Museum Aalen regularly hosts special exhibitions on popular themes and new discoveries. Past exhibitions have explored topics like the Glittering Crystals of the Ostalb and Mysterious Folk Beliefs. The museum also offers a rich educational program, including guided tours, fossil preparation courses, summer programs, and even children's birthday parties.

The museum shop is a must-visit, offering a range of geological literature, maps, DVDs, as well as fossils, minerals, and other souvenirs to commemorate your visit.

A Rich History

Founded in 1977 as the Geological-Paleontological Museum Aalen, the museum owes much of its initial success to the dedicated efforts of amateur geologist and paleontologist Fritz Sauter, along with Rüdiger Mallwitz and Rudolf Schlegelmilch. The museum's collection is primarily based on Sauter's private collection, and after his passing, it was renamed the Urweltmuseum Aalen in 1985. In recognition of its contributions, the museum was awarded the August-Wetzler-Medal in 1998.

Scientific Hub

The museum serves as the headquarters for the Geologengruppe Ostalb e. V., an association that plays a vital role in the museum's programming and the curation of new finds. The museum is also open to research activities and since 2008, it has housed an information center for the UNESCO Global Geopark Swabian Jura.

Whether you're a seasoned geologist or a curious traveler, the Jurassic Museum Aalen offers a fascinating and educational experience. Its exhibits not only illuminate the ancient past but also connect us to the dynamic geological processes that continue to shape our world today. Don't miss the chance to explore this gem in the heart of Aalen, where history, science, and wonder converge.