LWL Museum of Natural History with Planetarium

The Sun can be observed in white light as well as in H-alpha light. The Sun’s surface and the glowing sunspots can be observed particularly well. A filter protects both the eye and the telescope from the Sun’s intense radiation, making it safe to look at the Sun. H-alpha light offers a unique view of the Sun: a special filter, which allows only a very narrow range of sunlight to pass through, enables visitors to observe prominences, solar flares and structures on the Sun’s surface that are invisible in normal light.

Observation is only possible when the sun is shining. It is cancelled in the event of bad weather.

In addition, throughout the summer holidays, the planetarium offers a variety of (paid) shows under the dome for young and old alike. A packed programme awaits children, families and adults – featuring shows such as ‘My Home – Our Blue Planet’ (ages 4 and over), ‘Adventure in Space’ (ages 5 and over), ‘Little Major Tom’ (ages 6 and over), ‘The Fascination of Space – Expedition into the Realm of the Stars’ (ages 8 and over), ‘Journey Through Time – From the Big Bang to Humankind’ (ages 9 and over), ‘Galaxy – A Journey Through the Milky Way’ (ages 10 and over), ‘Destination: The Future – From the Present to Eternity’ (ages 12 and over), ‘Our Universe – Stars, Black Holes and Galaxies’ (ages 14 and over). The evening line-up is just as exciting: alongside live programmes and educational shows, there are music and special programmes such as “Queen – Heaven” (18+), “Music in Space” (10+), “Space Rock Symphony” (ages 12 and over) and the radio play “The Three Investigators – The Salt Dead” (ages 12 and over) are all on the programme.

Almost forgotten Westphalian poets are given a second chance: for around two and a half hours, they are allowed to emerge from the afterlife and return to the places where they once worked – sent by the gods, who have finally yielded to the poets’ pleas. And so Annette von Droste-Hülshoff, Hermann Landois, Christian Dietrich Grabbe and Peter Hille return to earth – accompanied by live music featuring the cello and guitar.

As dusk falls, figures from another era appear: the poets wander through the ranks of the picnic-goers, sit down amongst the people and recite their works. Monologues and poems intertwine with the sound of the cello and guitar.

A special guest arrives from the future: a replicant from the year 2036 turns up unexpectedly and raises new questions with his accounts of social life in the coming decades. Both bewildering and fascinating, he seeks to bring the past and the future into dialogue. The performance ends as it began: as darkness falls, the poets disappear – accompanied by the replicant, who only reluctantly accepts his fate – back into the realms beyond.

Artistic

Ensemble: The literary roles are portrayed by Regine Andratschke, Markus von Hagen, Eckhard Ischebeck, Stefan Naszay and Tilman Rademacher. Former zoo director Jörg Adler also makes an appearance. Yoon Han on the cello and Michael Kolberg on guitar and sound effects provide the musical accompaniment. The concept, realisation and design are by Thomas Nufer.

Note on the weather:

In the event of bad weather, the event will unfortunately have to be cancelled

Further dates:
15 August 2026
22 August 2026
23 August

2026 Tickets: available online

During the summer holidays, the Gene-LAB at the LWL Museum of Natural History is hosting activities related to the exhibitions on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays between 11 am and 5 pm.

Visitors can immerse themselves in times long past and discover what North Rhine-Westphalia looked like in the past. Or they can stay in the present and take a closer look at cells and DNA. There is plenty to learn and experience in the Gene-LAB and the exhibitions during the summer holidays. Visitors can explore fossils and discover the secrets they hold. Alternatively, they can go in search of traces of prehistoric creatures and the creatures that inhabit our landscapes today. You can also find out which foods you can eat with which teeth, or take part in the prehistoric quiz and the Gene Rally as you wander through the exhibitions.

No booking is required. Just pop in and join in.

Almost forgotten Westphalian poets are given a second chance: for around two and a half hours, they are allowed to emerge from the afterlife and return to the places where they once worked – sent by the gods, who have finally yielded to the poets’ pleas. And so Annette von Droste-Hülshoff, Hermann Landois, Christian Dietrich Grabbe and Peter Hille return to earth – accompanied by live music featuring the cello and guitar.

As dusk falls, figures from another era appear: the poets wander through the ranks of the picnic-goers, sit down amongst the people and recite their works. Monologues and poems intertwine with the sound of the cello and guitar.

A special guest arrives from the future: a replicant from the year 2036 turns up unexpectedly and raises new questions with his accounts of social life in the coming decades. Both bewildering and fascinating, he seeks to bring the past and the future into dialogue. The performance ends as it began: as darkness falls, the poets disappear – accompanied by the replicant, who only reluctantly accepts his fate – back into the realms beyond.

Artistic

Ensemble: The literary roles are portrayed by Regine Andratschke, Markus von Hagen, Eckhard Ischebeck, Stefan Naszay and Tilman Rademacher. Former zoo director Jörg Adler also makes an appearance. Yoon Han on the cello and Michael Kolberg on guitar and sound effects provide the musical accompaniment. The concept, production and design are by Thomas Nufer.

Note on the weather:

In the event of bad weather, the event will unfortunately have to be cancelled.

Further dates:
15 August 2026
22 August 2026
23 August

2026 Tickets: available online

During the summer holidays, the Gene-LAB at the LWL Museum of Natural History is hosting activities related to the exhibitions on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays between 11 am and 5 pm.

Visitors can immerse themselves in times long past and discover what North Rhine-Westphalia looked like in the past. Or they can stay in the present and take a closer look at cells and DNA. There is plenty to learn and experience in the Gene-LAB and the exhibitions during the summer holidays. Visitors can explore fossils and discover the secrets they hold. Alternatively, they can go in search of traces of prehistoric creatures and the creatures that inhabit our landscapes today. You can also find out which foods you can eat with which teeth, or take part in the prehistoric quiz and the Gene Rally as you wander through the exhibitions.

No booking is required. Just pop in and join in.