The basis for today’s treasures in the collections began as early as the 17th century. Numerous objects come from the cabinets of Felix Platter and Basilius Amerbach. Today, the Natural History Museum Basel is one of the 50 largest natural history museums in the world with around 12 million objects in its collections from the fields of zoology, entomology, mineralogy, anthropology, osteology and palaeontology.

Our collections enjoy an excellent reputation both at home and abroad in the fields of science and research. Numerous scientists and researchers from all over the world work with objects from our collections in addition to our own research group. The collections are cared for, restored, refurbished and preserved for posterity through the handiwork of the museum’s expert taxidermists.