Phyletic Museum

The Phyletic Museum, known locally as the Phyletisches Museum, is a captivating blend of science, history, and art nestled in the charming city of Jena, Thuringia, Germany. Founded by the renowned biologist Ernst Haeckel, this museum is a testament to the evolution of life and a celebration of the natural world. Each year, the Phyletic Museum attracts around 17,000 visitors, eager to explore its unique exhibits and rich history.

The History of the Phyletic Museum

The story of the Phyletic Museum begins on August 28, 1907, when its foundation stone was laid, coinciding with the birthday of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Ernst Haeckel, a prominent figure in the field of biology, gifted the building to the Friedrich Schiller University of Jena on July 30, 1908, in honor of the university's 350th anniversary. The museum was initially funded by the Carl Zeiss Foundation and did not house any exhibits at its inception. It wasn't until 1912 that the first permanent exhibition was opened by Ludwig Plate, Haeckel's successor as museum director.

From its inception, the Phyletic Museum was designed to be more than just a natural history museum. Haeckel envisioned it as a place where visitors could learn about the development of life, with a particular focus on phylogeny (the evolutionary history of species) and the theory of evolution. This vision remains at the heart of the museum's mission today, as it continues to bridge the gap between art and nature.

Exploring the Phyletic Museum

The Phyletic Museum is part of the Institute of Special Zoology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Jena. It boasts an extensive collection of zoological and paleontological specimens, with over 500,000 items in its archives. The museum's collection dates back to the 18th century and includes original pieces from the time when Goethe himself oversaw the anatomical and zoological collection.

One of the highlights of the museum is the Evolution Hall, which features exhibits on a variety of topics, including pigeon breeds, AIDS, cichlid fish, and the ontogeny (development) of amphibians. The museum also hosts several rooms dedicated to the evolutionary history of multicellular animals, including humans. These exhibits provide a fascinating glimpse into the diversity of life and the processes that have shaped it over millions of years.

Special Exhibitions and Events

In addition to its permanent exhibits, the Phyletic Museum regularly hosts special exhibitions on a wide range of topics. Past themes have included domestication, diatoms and their forms, the smaller majority (featuring photographs by Piotr Naskrecki), insects and sex, and biological invasions. These special exhibitions offer visitors the chance to delve deeper into specific aspects of the natural world and the ongoing research being conducted at the museum.

The Architecture of the Phyletic Museum

The Phyletic Museum is housed in a stunning Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) building designed by architect Karl Dittmar, based on ideas and sketches by Ernst Haeckel. The building itself is a cultural monument, with its facade meticulously restored between 2007 and 2008 to preserve its original ornamental details. These restorations included the recreation of elements from the 'Tree of Life' on the gable, featuring the terms Phylogeny and Ontogeny, which were coined by Haeckel in Jena.

One of the most striking features of the museum is the 'Medusa Hall,' with its ceiling paintings by Adolf Giltsch, based on designs by Haeckel. This hall was restored in the mid-1990s, bringing back to life the intricate artwork that adorns its ceiling. The area in front of the museum was also renovated between 2011 and 2012, adding a fountain and enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Visitor Information

The Phyletic Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the natural world, evolution, and the history of life on Earth. Whether you're a seasoned biologist or a curious traveler, the museum offers a wealth of knowledge and a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of nature through the lens of one of its most passionate advocates, Ernst Haeckel.

As you wander through the museum's halls, you'll be transported through time, from the earliest forms of life to the complex ecosystems that exist today. The Phyletic Museum is not just a place to learn; it's a place to marvel at the beauty and complexity of the natural world, making it an unforgettable stop on your journey through Jena.