NATURKUNDEMUSEUM BAYERN: A MUSEUM IN THE MAKING

"Many of the most significant challenges we now face as a species on this planet, from climate change to loss of biodiversity, are due in large part to an imbalance in the relationship between humans and other living species. Drawing on the extremely rich scientific ecosystem
of Munich and Bavaria, BIOTOPIA will be a place to inspire millions of young people to engage with the most exciting developments in the life sciences through dynamic and changing exhibitions and events."

"BIOTOPIA presents an immense opportunity to familiarize the Bavarian (and European) population with nature and natural sciences and spark enthusiasm for these highly fascinating subjects. I personally consider children and adolescents to be particularly important. I hope BIOTOPIA ignites their natural curiosity and helps them view research as something enriching and exciting."

"The Bavarian Museum of Natural History will continue what the Museum Man and Nature has started – it will open up a new dimension for one of the most frequented museums of Bavaria."

"Protecting species, responding to climate change and acting responsibly towards nature – these are the greatest challenges of our day. With the plans for BIOTOPIA in Bavaria, the revolutionary museum concept and a national BIOTOPIA network, the makers aim to create a modern, interdisciplinary and participative platform which allows people to access scientific education from a completely new angle."

"The future natural history museum BIOTOPIA in Munich-Nymphenburg will show people in Bavaria and visitors from all over the world that science and culture as well as modernity and tradition are not opposites. The name BIOTOPIA already stands for a groundbreaking new approach to imparting knowledge and inspiring especially young people to commit themselves to the preservation of nature."

"BIOTOPIA is an ambitious project: it is a hands-on museum dedicated solely to the life sciences. This has never existed in Bavaria in this form before. The interactive character goes very far and will also include unusual concepts such as an such as an experimental kitchen and a design laboratory, which will focus on organic materials that could be exciting for product development in the future. Thus BIOTOPIA will provide access to the life sciences for people of all ages and interests. The Max Planck Society and BIOTOPIA have been linked by a cooperation agreement since 2019, and I am pleased that already some of our directors have actively participated in the program.
Especially for our newly established research campus Martinsried, BIOTOPIA also provides our scientists with an exhibition and communication platform where they can try out new forms of science communication."

"The Naturkundemuseum Bayern will become a highly modern museum with a sophisticated pedagogical concept, a unique place for education and knowledge transfer for people no matter what age or origin. At the same time, it will be Bavaria's natural history memory and will thereby contribute to our cultural identity formation in the highest degree. This is why the future of the Bavarian natural history museum is so important and this is why we all have to contribute to its realisation."

"I hope the Naturkundemuseum Bayern can be realized soon, for two reasons. First of all, such a facility would be ideal to create enthusiasm in young people for the natural sciences and ultimately for professions in the field. Secondly, the Bavarian natural history museum would enrich Bavaria's environmental education. The more we know about the complex relations in nature, the more people are willing to champion its preservation."

"The museum signifies education, science and culture and thereby embodies the fundamental cornerstones of our society’s future viability."

"The Naturkundemuseum Bayern is a project of central importance for cultural and educational policies. Its time has come - and the occasion has never been more favourable. To realize an undertaking this size, politics is in need of strong civic engagement. This is why I am very grateful to the Förderkreis BIOTOPIA for its powerful initiative. It's a convincing signal: The citizens stand behind the project. With this support, the realisation of the museum can be successful."

"This planet is a gift, a unique island of life amidst the dead cosmic cold. But we behave like a small child at Christmas: The package is torn open and the gift is unwrapped, then we try randomly, and only after failure we start to read the manual. We are now in this phase. We realize that we have to change something, because our behavior destroys our cosmic home in the long run. Our gift has already suffered. In our carelessness we have destroyed many forests, changed the climate, and lost some species of animals and plants through our impatience, but we can still save our home from its final destruction. What it needs is awareness and here BIOTOPIA is the right step, because what you love, you protect. This museum is a single declaration of love to the most precious gift we know - the diversity of nature."