Neanderthals in Europe ... and How We Became Humans

A special look back in time is on offer in the Haus der Natur at the moment:

The new temporary exhibition „Neanderthals in Europe ... and How We Became Humans" is now open to visitors. It offers exciting insights into the evolutionary history of mankind with particular emphasis on one of its most mysterious eras - that of the Neanderthal.

Who were the first humans and when did they appear on Earth? Who are our ancestors, and who are our closest relations? What led to the extinction of the Neanderthal?

This exhibition is not simply a presentation of fossil bones. It is  a very lively account of a crucial event in the history of a Neanderthal community. The Neanderthal boy Orf and his family are the main characters in the story. They can be observed making stone tools and hunting musk oxen, as well as together with their group in their everyday activities and typical community life.

The story does not stop here. You will meet even more distant ancestors face to face and, looking at our colourful portrait gallery, may find that the millions of years of human evolution may well be the most exciting jigsaw that science has ever been trying to put together.