Mineralogy and Petrography Gallery - Exploring the Wonders of Mined Gems and Rocks

The Mineralogical-Petrographic Collection of the Technical University of Braunschweig (TU Braunschweig) is currently undergoing a significant transformation. Due to a move and redesign, the collection is temporarily closed, but eagerly awaits its new permanent home at the Natural History Museum in Braunschweig.

The collection's roots can be traced back to 1754, when the Mineral Cabinet of TU Braunschweig's precursor was made public in the ducal art and natural history cabinet. Over the years, the collection has grown substantially, with a significant part donated by Walter Richard Kahn in 1982. Kahn's donation included one of the most comprehensive collections from the Tsumeb deposit in Namibia.

Unfortunately, the collection suffered a setback in 1944 when it was destroyed in a bombing raid. However, the collection was bequeathed to the Mineralogical-Geological Institute of TU Braunschweig in 1877, and it continued to grow under the guidance of its founder, Friedrich Lodders.

In 2018, the Natural History Museum took over the mineralogical-petrographic collection of the Mineral Cabinet of TU Braunschweig. Now, the museum is planning a modern permanent exhibition for the collection.

Visitors can look forward to a fascinating journey through the world of minerals and geology, showcasing the collection's rich history and Kahn's significant donation. The museum is located at Pockelsstraße 10, 38106 Braunschweig, and can be contacted via telephone at 0531 12253100, email at [email protected], or fax at 0531 12253901. The museum's website can be accessed at https://3landesmuseen-unsere-website.de/.

The Mineralogical-Petrographic Collection of TU Braunschweig is set to reopen its doors soon, offering a captivating glimpse into the beauty and complexity of the Earth's minerals. Stay tuned for updates on the grand opening of the new permanent exhibition at the Natural History Museum.