Earth, folks! – The changing climate

Mensch, Erde! – Das Klima im Wandel
This exhibition is available in
German
Earth's history live: A new 630 m² exhibition takes you from monster swamps and dinosaurs to future visions. It focuses on the greatest challenge of our time: the human-made climate change.
From monster swamps to fiery worlds, from the extinction of the dinosaurs to visions of the future: covering 630 square meters, the exhibition invites visitors on an exciting journey through Earth’s history with a focus on the greatest challenge of our time: anthropogenic climate change.

Brief Introduction
Join us on a journey through time! With visually striking displays, the exhibition reveals unusual connections and sharpens our view of the unique spaceship we call Earth, which has been carrying us for millions of years. It highlights the value of fossils as evidence and testimonies of life. After all, it is thanks to research into fossils that we know what we know today. For example, that 300 million years ago swampy forests covered the whole of Europe, providing material for vast coal deposits – the same fossil coal whose combustion now releases huge amounts of CO2 and warms the planet. Or that 250 million years ago, the Earth’s atmosphere was poisoned by gigantic volcanic eruptions. The water in the seas, lakes and rivers became a hostile soup, causing over 80 percent of all animals and plants on land and in the sea to die out. Today, the study of their remains can help teach us lessons about current climate change.

Experiencing Earth’s history
The exhibition lets visitors experience the extent to which humanity and our existence are connected with the history of our planet – from the first traces of life to the distant future. A bleak outlook? Not at all! The exhibition does not gloss over anything, but it does not pay homage to dystopias or threatening scenarios either. It stands for hope rather than powerlessness, and for celebrating the flourishing life on planet Earth rather than lamenting its loss. It aims to encourage reflection and research. Unlike with the natural disasters that have always plagued our planet, we can act to combat anthropogenic global warming. There are numerous measures, innovations and visions with which we can counteract the climate crisis.

Participation project: “Ways out of the climate crisis”
How do we bring about changes that benefit everyone? We want to discuss promising ways out of the climate crisis with visitors. Which topic should receive particular attention in the exhibition over the next six months? Which climate and transformation projects are the most promising? At the interactive voting station, visitors can help determine which priorities to set and which ideas to support.

Echo group: “How does the climate affect me?”
Around a dozen people will accompany the exhibition with their presence over many years. They include an IT apprentice, an urban planner and a mountaineer. They report on how they experience the consequences of global warming. How do they feel about it and how have their attitudes, hopes and fears changed over the years? Visitors can listen for themselves on video panels in the exhibition entrance area. A new episode will be added every year.
Adresse
Bernastrasse 15
3005
Bern
+41 31 350 71 11
Opening hours
Events in this museum
Ausstellungsführung «Mensch, Erde! – Das Klima im Wandel»
Event

Guided tour of the new permanent exhibition at the Natural History Museum of Bern. From monster swamps to worlds of fire, from the extinction of the dinosaurs to visions of the future: Spanning 630 ...

NMBE Tierzeichnen 9816
Event

We’ll try out different painting and drawing techniques that produce great results and are really fun. Sometimes we’ll use pencils and paper, other times paints or natural materials. We’ll also ...

NMBE Tierzeichnen 9816
Event

We’ll try out various painting and drawing techniques that produce great results and are really fun. Sometimes we’ll use pencil and paper, other times paints or natural materials. We’ll also provide ...

NMBE B&V Wissen Saft 2026 263753
Event

In the latest episode of our edutainment series “Wissen-Saft,” you’ll have a drink with… Igor the tiger! In 1975, the Bern Zoo scored a bargain: For just 7,000 German marks, it purchased two Siberian ...

NMBE B&V Wissen Saft 2026 263753
Event

In the latest episode of our edutainment series “Wissen-Saft,” you’ll have a drink with… Igor the tiger! In 1975, the Bern Zoo scored a bargain: For just 7,000 German marks, it purchased two Siberian ...

NMBE Halloween im Museum 5382
Event

Trick-or-treat! Storyteller Katharina Lienhard and children’s book author Stefanie Christ invite children ages 4 and up to a “spooky” storytime on Halloween. Which guest from the museum’s collection ...

NMBE Bernhard Hostettler 8296
Event
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Immerse yourself in our impressive fossil collection. Bernhard Hostettler will introduce you to some of his favorite items in the NMBE’s paleontological collection.

Ausstellungsführung «Mensch, Erde! – Das Klima im Wandel»
Event

Guided tour of the new permanent exhibition at the Natural History Museum of Bern. From monster swamps to worlds of fire, from the extinction of the dinosaurs to visions of the future: Spanning 630 ...

Wer entscheidet? Klimagerechtigkeit im Talk
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How can climate justice be achieved? As part of the exhibition “Mensch, Erde!,” Prof. Dr. Evelyne Schmid (University of Lausanne) will discuss issues related to justice, responsibility, and ...

Führung: Silizium – Von den Alpen ins Silicon Valley
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What do the Alps and a smartphone have in common? Silicon! Join us on a journey from mountain ranges to the interior of a microchip and discover a chemical element that underpins both our real and ...

NMBE B&V Wissen Saft 2026 263753
Event

In the latest episode of our edutainment series “Wissen-Saft,” you’ll have a drink with… Igor the tiger! In 1975, the Bern Zoo scored a bargain: For just 7,000 German marks, it purchased two Siberian ...

NMBE B&V Wissen Saft 2026 263753
Event

In the latest episode of our edutainment series “Wissen-Saft,” you’ll have a drink with… Igor the tiger! In 1975, the Bern Zoo scored a bargain: For just 7,000 German marks, it purchased two Siberian ...

NMBE Tierzeichnen 9816
Event

We’ll try out different painting and drawing techniques that produce great results and are really fun. Sometimes we’ll use pencils and paper, other times paints or natural materials. We’ll also ...

NMBE Manuel Schweizer 9975
Event
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Silent hunters of the night, fascinating masters of adaptation, and shrouded in myth since time immemorial: Discover the mysterious world of owls on this exciting guided tour. Learn interesting facts ...

Führung: Silizium – Von den Alpen ins Silicon Valley
Event

What do the Alps and a smartphone have in common? Silicon! Join us on a journey from mountain ranges to the interior of a microchip and discover a chemical element that underpins both our real and ...

NMBE B&V Wissen Saft 2026 263753
Event

In the latest episode of our edutainment series “Wissen-Saft,” you’ll have a drink with… Igor the tiger! In 1975, the Bern Zoo scored a bargain: For just 7,000 German marks, it purchased two Siberian ...

NMBE B&V Wissen Saft 2026 263753
Event

In the latest episode of our edutainment series “Wissen-Saft,” you’ll have a drink with… Igor the tiger! In 1975, the Bern Zoo scored a bargain: For just 7,000 German marks, it purchased two Siberian ...

Ausstellungsführung «Mensch, Erde! – Das Klima im Wandel»
Event

Guided tour of the new permanent exhibition at the Natural History Museum of Bern. From monster swamps to worlds of fire, from the extinction of the dinosaurs to visions of the future: Spanning 630 ...

NMBE Tierzeichnen 9816
Event

We’ll try out different painting and drawing techniques that produce great results and are really fun. Sometimes we’ll use pencils and paper, other times paints or natural materials. We’ll also ...

NMBE Tierzeichnen 9816
Event

We’ll try out various painting and drawing techniques that produce great results and are really fun. Sometimes we’ll use pencil and paper, other times paints or natural materials. We’ll also provide ...

Bar der toten Tiere
Event
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The “Bar of Dead Animals” is legendary, and the setting among historic dioramas is one-of-a-kind. This year, too, we invite you to come out and party with us during the last week of the year! Enjoy ...

NMBE Tierzeichnen 9816
Event

We’ll try out different painting and drawing techniques that produce great results and are really fun. Sometimes we’ll use pencils and paper, other times paints or natural materials. We’ll also ...