Museum

Dried whale penis

Where does researcher Auke-Florian Hiemstra stand now? Read more about [bizarre pennis](https://natuurwijzer.naturalis.nl/leerobjecten/de-zeven-meest-bizarre-penissen) on the Natuurwijzer.

Plateosaurus

This dinosaur is considered one of the first giants with a long neck. Do you see that he walks on the toes of his hind legs? This gave him the ability to run fast.Read more about [Plateosaurus](https://natuurwijzer.naturalis.nl/leerobjecten/plateosaurus-de-reus-van-het-trias) on the Natuurwijzer.

Moonfish from Ameland

Researcher Auke-Florian Hiemstra explains why this object is special. Read about [the moonfish ](https://topstuks.naturalis.nl/object/maanvis-van-ameland)on Naturalis Masterpieces.

Monkey Aram

Endearing and sad at the same time. Orangutan baby Aram is standing on strong water. Since 1894. His mother was shot from a tree during an expedition on Borneo. Nowadays this is of course unthinkable. The documentary 'Aapje Aram' tells the surprising story of the baby orangutan Aram from Naturalis. Watch [the documentary](https://www.npostart.nl/aapje-aram/07-09-2019/VPWON_1294512) about monkey Aram.

White shark

This is one of researcher Freek Vonk's favorites. Can not be missed! But how do you actually recognize a shark? Read about [sharks](https://natuurwijzer.naturalis.nl/leerobjecten/hoe-herken-je-een-haai) on the Natuurwijzer.

Coco de mer

The variety of seeds is enormous: they have different sizes, in their few hundreds at a time. And each plant has its own seed form. In this cupboard full of seeds, the Coco de mer stands out: the heaviest seed in the world.Read more about [Coco de mer](https://topstuks.naturalis.nl/object/coco-de-mer) on Naturalis Masterpieces. Read more about [plant reproduction](https://natuurwijzer.naturalis.nl/leerobjecten/zichzelf-kopieren-planten-kunnen-het) on the Nature Guide.

Mammoth fur and droppings

In Siberia, mammoth remains lie in the permafrost, the always frozen soil. Even skin, hair and poop. Read more about [the mammoth droppings](https://topstuks.naturalis.nl/object/mammoetkeutel) and [the mammoth fur](https://topstuks.naturalis.nl/object/stukje-mammoetvacht) on Naturalis Top Pieces.

Cafe entrance

Whale team

View the triple layer gloves of the Naturalis whale team here - their protection against stench and cuts. When a huge whale washes up on the Dutch coast, Naturalis is commissioned by the government to clean up the dead sea eye animal. The whale team will get to work as quickly as possible. Read more about [the whale team](https://natuurwijzer.naturalis.nl/leerobjecten/het-walvissnijteam-van-naturalis-stinkend-je-best-doen) on the Natuurwijzer.

Western lowland gorilla

In this room you are greeted by the behind of this gorilla. Researcher Freek Vonk tells more. Is there actually any benefit to dying? Read it on [the Nature Guide.](https://natuurwijzer.naturalis.nl/leerobjecten/voordeel-van-doodgaan)

Homo erectus, reconstruction

This is what Dubois' Homo erectus might have looked like: erect, with protruding brow ridges and long arms. Read how [this reconstruction](https://natuurwijzer.naturalis.nl/leerobjecten/van-een-paar-botten-tot-een-oermens) was made on the Natuurwijzer.

Entrance The Earth

Unfortunately, this room cannot be visited virtually.

Welcome to Life

This entrance hall with a sensational decor takes you through the most diverse landscapes: you start in the deep sea and actually on top of a mountain top, almost in the air.

Drawings for science

These lifelike drawings are of great importance for scientific publications and for education. They explain huge plants and animals. This can be done better with drawings than with photos. Read about one of our scientific illustrators, [Esmée Winkel](https://natuurwijzer.naturalis.nl/onderzoekers/esmee-winkel), on the Natuurwijzer. And how [do you actually draw like a scientist](https://natuurwijzer.naturalis.nl/leerobjecten/hoe-teken-je-als-een-kennis)?

Welcome to Early Man

Tyrannosaurus rex

67 million years ago, T. rex Trix roamed the (then) subtropical forests of North America. Why is T. rex Trix so special?Read an account of Trix's journey on the Nature Guide: [from loose bones to showpiece.](https://natuurwijzer.naturalis.nl/leerobjecten/trix-van-losse-botjes- to showpiece)

Dinolab

Here, triceratops bones are kept for public use and prepared for display in the Dino Time hall. During several expeditions to Wyoming (United States), a team from Naturalis excavated these bones. Read more about [the Dinolab](https://natuurwijzer.naturalis.nl/leerobjecten/het-dinolab-van-naturalis-heb-jij-het-in-je) on the Natuurwijzer.

Jackals from Ter Meer

This object was made by the founder of taxidermy: Herman H. ter Meer. It was one of his masterpieces. Read more about [these jackals](https://topstuks.naturalis.nl/object/jakhalzen-van-ter-meer) on Naturalis Masterpieces.

Welcome to Live Science

Here you will meet our researchers and collection managers so that you can see and experience what their work involves.

Giant deer

Researcher Freek Vonk talks about the antlers of the giant deer: the largest antlers of all cervids that have ever existed. Read more about [this special skeleton](https://topstuks.naturalis.nl/object/reuzenhert) on Naturalis Masterpieces.

Ammonite cemetery

This fossil shows a whole mountain of fossils. Read more about [this object](https://topstuks.naturalis.nl/object/ammonietenkerkhof) on Naturalis Top Pieces.

Indian tapir calf

The birth cake features all kinds of young animals. The Indian tapir calf looks different from its mother with its stripes. Read more about [this copy](https://topstuks.naturalis.nl/object/kalfje-indische-tapir) on Natulis Topstuks.

Welcome to Death

Death literally gives life. Do you want them both to belong in the cycle of nature? That is why a room about death should not be missing in a museum about all life.

Thousands of dozens of dry plants

This is a small selection from the 178,000 dozen dried plant material in our collection. The Naturalis herbarium is among the top 5 in the world. What do you do with such a collection? Ethnobotanist [Tinde van Andel](https://natuurwijzer.naturalis.nl/onderzoekers/tinde-van-andel) explains it on the Nature Guide.

Scratched shell (Pseudodon, left valve)

This 500,000 year old shell contains special scratches: symmetrically made in a clear pattern. Researchers from Naturalis recently discovered that these are the first human-made inscriptions. Read more about [this discovery](https://www.naturalis.nl/lang-leve/lang-leve-dubois/frank-wesselingh-en-schelp-van-dubois) on naturalis.nl.

Taurus Herman

This icon of biotechnology is one of our masterpieces. Why? Read about [Stier Herman](https://topstuks.naturalis.nl/object/stier-herman) on Naturalis Masterpieces.

Cinereous Vulture Carmen

Cinereous vulture Carmen was invented in 2005 as a four-month stay in the Oostvaardersplassen. Unfortunately, an encounter with the train between Almere and Lelystad proved fatal. They ended up in Naturalis. [How does Naturalis get dead animals?](https://natuurwijzer.naturalis.nl/leerobjecten/hoe-komen-naturalis-aan-dode-dieren) Read talking on the Nature Guide.

Tickets for Naturalis

Are you coming to Leiden soon to visit the museum? Then order your tickets online in advance of your visit. [Order your tickets](https://tickets.naturalis.nl/).

Welcome to Dino Time

Here our crown jewel is in the spotlight: T. rex Trix. Her contemporaries and other primordial reptiles complete this spectacular room.

Tickets for Naturalis

Are you coming to Leiden soon to visit the museum? Then order your tickets online in advance of your visit. [Order your tickets.](https://tickets.naturalis.nl/)

Morpho

The striking blue color of the Morpho is due to the scales on its wings, and not due to the presence of pigment. The back of the butterfly has a brown camouflage color (due to the presence of pigment), with eyes to deter enemies. Read more about [the morpho butterfly](https://natuurwijzer.naturalis.nl/leerobjecten/de-schitterende-blauw-morphovlinder) on the Natuurwijzer.

Dodo

The example of extinction at the hands of humans: the dodo. Yet this is a [successful survivor](https://natuurwijzer.naturalis.nl/leerobjecten/de-dodo-succesvolle-overlever), why on the Natuurwijzer. Preparer Jan Hakhof made this model in 1995: a slimmer and sporty dodo that stands straight on its legs. Read more about [this model](https://topstuks.naturalis.nl/object/dodo-model-van-jan-hakhof) on Naturalis Masterpieces.

StudioLab

Our experts share the latest knowledge, bring real collection items and talk passionately about their work. Temporary closure of the museum, livestreaming and our spotlights. Take a seat in the digital gallery every Thursday and ask all your questions.Keep an eye on this page for [the link to the next livestream](https://www.naturalis.nl/natuur-ontdekken-gaat-altijd-door).

The new Naturalis - by Auke-Florian Hiemstra

Biologist Auke-Florian Hiemstra from Naturalis tells you more about the brand new Naturalis. [Read more](https://www.naturalis.nl/over-ons/ons-gebouw).

Welcome to The Ice Age

An unrecognizable landscape dressed in the Netherlands. Wild nature in an inhospitable primeval landscape. That is where The Ice Age room takes you.

Penguins

You will see two types of penguins here: the macaroni penguin (with the golden yellow eyebrows) and the black-footed penguin (recognizable by the pinkish spots above the eyes). Read how [penguins replace their diving suit every year](https://natuurwijzer.naturalis.nl/leerobjecten/ieder-jaar-een-nieuw-duurpak) on the Natuurwijzer.

Giraffe at the waterhole

You could almost overlook this beautiful crouching giraffe at the back of the Leven hall. But it is certainly worth your attention, says researcher Freek Vonk.

Baby mammoth skull

This skull was fished in parts from the North Sea. It is the skull of a 16-18 month old baby mammoth. Fossils of young animals are rare because the bones are fragile and almost always decay. Read more about [this top find from the Eurogeul](https://topstuks.naturalis.nl/object/schedel-mammoetbaby) on Naturalis Top Pieces.

Mammoth

The showpiece of the mammoth collection is this mammoth bull. Researcher Freek Vonk is certainly impressed! Read more about [the composition of this skeleton](https://natuurwijzer.naturalis.nl/leerobjecten/naturalis-winkelt-een-mammoetskelet-bij-elkaar) on the Natuurwijzer.

Finds from Dubois

Researcher Freek Vonk, evolutionary biologist, talks about the masterpieces from the Dubois collection. They are in this treasure room!

Platypus

A poisonous mammal that lays eggs is unusual. Did you know that a platypus closes its ears, nose and eyes under water? How does he find his way? Read about [the platypus](https://natuurwijzer.naturalis.nl/leerobjecten/vogelbekdieren-en-mierenegels-eigendige-eierleggers) on the Natuurwijzer.

Horseshoe crab with spurs

It is very rare for both the organism and the track to be found in one fossil. Read more about [the horseshoe crab](https://topstuks.naturalis.nl/object/degenkrab-met-rijderspoor) on Naturalis Top Pieces. The horseshoe crab is still alive. Read more about [animals of today that were already on earth in prehistoric times](https://natuurwijzer.naturalis.nl/leerobjecten/taaie-rakkers-uit-de-oertijd) on the Natuurwijzer.

Homo erectus, skull cap

When Dubois got his hands on this fossil, he immediately recognized it as the skull of an ape; the first ever found. The skull cap featured prominently in an [episode of De Toren](https://www.npostart.nl/de-toren/21-07-2019/VPWON_1281272), broadcast on NPO2. Read about [the skull cap](https://topstuks.naturalis.nl/object/schedelkapje-van-dubois) on Naturalis Masterpieces.

Mosasaurus

Mosasaurus hoffmanni belongs to the mosasaurs, which were the most successful carnivores of the sea from 100 million to 66 million years ago.Read more about [Mosasaurus hoffmanni](https://topstuks.naturalis.nl/object/mosasaurus-uit-south-dakota) on Naturalis Masterpieces. The sea in the Cretaceous was the most dangerous sea ever. [How did small animals survive there?](https://natuurwijzer.naturalis.nl/leerobjecten/overleven-in-de-gevaarlijkste-zee-ooit) Read it on the Nature Guide.

Reinforced antlers

Researcher Auke-Florian Hiemstra explains why this is a special piece. Read [more about antlers](https://natuurwijzer.naturalis.nl/leerobjecten/rijder-of-stormram-de-vorm-van-hoorns-en-geweien) on the Natuurwijzer.

All kinds of eggs

An egg is a survival capsule for an unborn child. It protects against dehydration and provides nutrition in the form of a yolk. In addition to birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles, as well as a few mammals, also lay eggs. Every egg looks different. Read more about [diversity of bird eggs](https://natuurwijzer.naturalis.nl/leerobjecten/diversiteit-van-vogeleieren) on the Natuurwijzer.

Neptune Cup

This is an animal you can sit in: a sponge more than a meter in diameter.Read more about [the Neptune Cup](https://topstuks.naturalis.nl/object/neptunusbeker) on Naturalis Masterpieces.

Peacock

When it comes to love, nature has a lot to offer. Researcher Freek Vonk takes you into this room. Why do so many species put so much effort into reproducing? Read it on [the Nature Guide.](https://natuurwijzer.naturalis.nl/leerobjecten/voortplanten-doe-je-het-samen-of-alleen)

Camarasaurus

145 to 155 million years ago, this colossus lived on the steppes of North America. Researcher Freek Vonk tells.Read more about [Camarasaurus](https://topstuks.naturalis.nl/object/camarasaurus) on Naturalis Masterpieces.

Homo erectus, molar

When Dubois discovered this choice in 1891, he thought it belonged to an extinct chimpanzee-like species. Only later, after extensive research, did he conclude that it had to be a hominin's choice. Read more about [this molar](https://natuurwijzer.naturalis.nl/leerobjecten/een-heel-bijzondere-kies) on the Natuurwijzer.

The Netherlands during the last ice age

Researcher Auke-Florian Hiemstra talks about the model of the Netherlands. Read more about [the 'Big five' of the mammoth steppe](https://natuurwijzer.naturalis.nl/leerobjecten/safari-op-de-mammoetsteppe) on the Natuurwijzer.

African elephant

Researcher Auke-Florian is enormously impressed by the eye-catcher of this room: the African elephant Kito. Read more about [this elephant](https://topstuks.naturalis.nl/object/olifant-kito) on Naturalis Masterpieces.

Coloborhynchus

This large pterosaur flew around 110 million years ago. Researcher Auke-Florian Hiemstra presents this unique specimen.Read more about [Coloborhynchus](https://topstuks.naturalis.nl/object/coloborhynchus-spielbergi) on Naturalis Masterpieces.

Ice Age Collection

These cabinets contain part of Naturalis' collection of Ice Age fossils - the largest Ice Age collection in the world. It is organized from the oldest bones from the Tiglian (2,400,000-1,800,000 years ago) to the last ice age, the Weichselian (116,000-11,700 years ago). Read more about [what we learn from the mammoth collection](https://natuurwijzer.naturalis.nl/leerobjecten/mammoetkerkhof-in-naturalis) on the Nature Guide. Read more about ice age collection manager [Natasja den Ouden](https://www.naturalis.nl/lang-leve/lang-leve-mammoet/duur-mammoetbotten-en-een-mammoetdrol).

Triceratops

Researcher Freek Vonk talks about the excavation of this dinosaur.Read more about [the excavation of the herd of triceratopses](https://natuurwijzer.naturalis.nl/leerobjecten/een-grote-hoop-gehoornde-dinosauriers) on the Natuurwijzer.

Welcome to The Temptation

In The Temptation everything revolves around reproduction in nature. Courting each other, parents and caring for offspring are discussed playfully.

Marble table of William I

You don't expect to find a piece of furniture at Naturalis anytime soon. Yet this table from 1828 is part of our collection. Read about [the marble table](https://topstuks.naturalis.nl/object/marmeren-tafel-van-willem-i) on Naturalis Top Pieces.

Jaguar

The jaguar is an endangered species. Researchers expect that [a possible extinction will cause a lot of change](https://natuurwijzer.naturalis.nl/leerobjecten/de-jaguar-onmisbaar-in-de-amazone) in the Amazon. Researcher Hans ter Steege once came across a jaguar.

Komodo dragon

The largest lizard in the world [even takes down a deer or horse with its strength and venom](https://natuurwijzer.naturalis.nl/leerobjecten/hoe-de-komodovaraan-een-hert-vangt). This object is a cast of a specimen that died in Blijdorp. Read more about [the choice of a cast](https://topstuks.naturalis.nl/object/komodovaraan) and the approach at Naturalis Masterpieces.

Welcome to Naturalis - by Freek Vonk

Professor Freek Vonk from Naturalis welcomes you to the virtual museum. Have fun!