Atrium

Here you can view excellently preserved fossils from the world-famous Holzmaden site in the Swabian Jura, dating to 140 million years ago. The atrium offers visitors a glimpse of the underwater world of Jurassic seas. The impressive Holzmaden fossil wall features ammonites, the best known index fossils of the Jurassic period. Another typical inhabitant of the Jurassic seas, the streamlined ichthyosaur, is on display as well. You can also examine a rare find: the skeleton of a Steneosaurus marine crocodile, a species that lived over 200 million years ago. Similar species still exist today. With their flower-like shapes, crinoids (also known as sea lilies or feather stars) are some of the most beautiful fossils. Visitors can enjoy an entire colony of these marine animals as they walk up the central staircase of the atrium.