They shine with a thousand lights, sparkle, fascinate and attract with their luminous colours. They are shrouded in mystery and legend. Few people know where they really come from, how they are found, what they look like in their natural state and why they cast such a spell on people.   

They can serve as ornaments for decoration and adornment, and are symbolic of seduction and power. For thousands of years, their colour, their beauty, their mystery and their value have fascinated people… Sapphires, emeralds, opals and diamonds belong to a mysterious world in which it is easy to get lost and in which it is sometimes difficult to distinguish the true from the false.  

The National Museum of Natural History (naturmusée) has an impressive mineral collection that also includes many precious and semi-precious stones. The exhibition is the first major mineral and gemstone exhibition in over 25 years. It is supplemented by unique loans from other museums, jewellers and private collectors and can currently be viewed.  

The special exhibition “From Dark to Light” can be visited until 6 June 2021. Currently, no school classes are allowed in the museum, but families and groups of maximum 5 persons can visit the exhibition.  

Activities for children and young people:  

Recreational activities with pre-registration: For children between the ages of 6 and 10, the Panda Club offers activities for small groups in the areas of nature and science outside of school hours. However, pre-registration is required for these activities. More info at: www.panda-club.lu  In collaboration with the Faculty of Science of the Université du Luxembourg and the Fonds National de la Recherche, activities in the fields of science, technology and nature are also offered for young people aged 11 to 18. More information at the Science Club: www.science-club.lu.  Programme “in a natural area” for groups On request, you can also book educational sessions in selected natural areas that allow for special thematic focuses – either ‘with the museum’s nature guide’ or with a ‘rolling museum’: ‘with the Nature Mobile’ or ‘with the Science Mobile’.  

Practical information for parents:  

  • Where can I find the ‘naturmusée’? The address is: 25 Rue Münster, L-2160 Luxembourg, telephone: +352 46 22 33 1. Website:www.mnhn.lu
  • Opening hours: Tuesdays – Sundays: 10h00 – 18h00, closing day: Mondays. The museum is closed on 1 January, 1 May, 23 June, 1 November, 25 December and the morning after Museum Night. During these pandemic periods, the Naturmusée recommends visiting the museum at times of day when there are fewer visitors, preferably between 10h00 and 14h00.  
  • Entrance fees: The standard rate for adults is: 5 €; Reduced rate: senior citizens (> 65 years) and people with a visible disability can also benefit from the reduced rate: 3 €.  Free admission: for children and young people (< 21 years), and for students with a valid student card (< 26 years).  Furthermore for: Frënn vum ‘natur musée’, as well as holders of one of the following passes: Muséeskaart, LuxembourgCard, ICOM, Culture Pass, and for scientific staff of the museum.  
  • How do I get to the Naturmusée? To the Grund by bus number 14 or 23 or take the lift at the Holy Spirit Plateau to the Grund. From there it is a short 5-minute walk. Walk in the direction of Neimënster Abbey.  
  • How much time do you need for a visit? About one and a half hours.