Curtain up for the preparation!

What appears to be alive at first glance is the result of an elaborate interplay of craftsmanship, science and design. In our taxidermy workshops, objects are created that permanently preserve animals and plants - for research, collections and exhibitions. The new exhibition section of the "The Museum Makers" series is dedicated to this mostly hidden work and the people who carry it out.

Our biological taxidermists work with materials such as skin, bone, plaster, silicone, resin and paint. They restore historical animal specimens, produce research objects for the collection and design exhibits that convincingly reproduce the size, posture and expression of an animal. The spectrum ranges from the smallest details such as eyes or skin structures to large-scale models of entire animals and habitats.

The new part of the special exhibition shows how taxidermy is created - and at the same time poses the question of what "real" means. Some objects are made from original animal material, others are completely modelled or moulded. Eyes are replaced, bodies are modelled, surfaces are painted. The aim is not to deceive, but to provide insight: the most accurate, vivid access possible to the diversity of nature.

At the same time, it becomes clear that specimens always reflect their time of origin. Historical hunting trophies, early dioramas and older taxidermies tell of changing ideas of nature, power and knowledge. Modern preparation, on the other hand, understands animals as part of complex ecosystems and as living beings worthy of protection.

The exhibition thus opens up a view of taxidermy as a cultural and scientific practice - and of the people whose work makes it possible to visualise, understand and explore nature in the museum.