Museumsfest 2025

In the organizer's words:

The big museum festival at the Neanderthal Museum - an adventure weekend for the whole family

Every year on the last weekend of the summer holidays, the outdoor area of the Neanderthal Museum in Mettmann is transformed into a colorful festival full of hands-on activities, a live program and family highlights. Over 3,000 young and old guests celebrate the popular museum festival in NRW together - with lots of fun, creativity and the desire to discover the Stone Age.

A varied program with workshops, music, play stations, culinary offerings and exciting insights into the world of the Neanderthals awaits you again in 2025. The Museum Festival 2025 will take place on Saturday, August 23 and Sunday, August 24, 2025 around the Neanderthal Museum in Mettmann.

Event times and location

On Saturday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., visitors can expect a varied program in the museum garden and around the Höhlenblick adventure tower. Numerous activity stands invite the whole family with exciting demonstrations and hands-on activities.

Activities for young and old

Children and adults can make stone amulets, try their hand at archery, get a Stone Age tattoo, prove their skills in the children's smithy or show off their acrobatic talents at the hands-on circus. Other highlights include examining animal bones and many other exciting activities.

Animal attractions

Animal fun is also guaranteed: Zoom Erlebniswelt Gelsenkirchen, Wuppertal Zoo and Bochum Zoo will provide insights into their work. A visit to the tarpan enclosure of the Ice Age Game Reserve is also on the program.

Culinary delights

In keeping with the current special exhibition "EIS ZEIT REISE GRÖNLAND", the "Düsseldorfer Eiszeit" ice cream parlor will provide a delicious refreshment with its natural ice cream creations. There will also be plenty to eat and drink on the festival grounds and in the surrounding restaurants: coffee and cake, hearty treats and even home-baked bread from the Stone Age clay oven.

Tombola and support campaign

For just €1 per ticket, you can take part in the raffle and win Stone Age surprises from the museum store. By taking part, you are supporting the work of the non-profit Neanderthal Museum Foundation.

Exhibitions and museum shop

he permanent exhibition and the current special exhibition are open during the festival. The museum store is freely accessible without a ticket.

Special tip

The entrance fee for the museum festival also includes a visit to the Höhlenblick adventure tower. The popular archery is once again on offer at the discovery site.

Ticket information

Tickets are available online and at the signposted ticket offices on site. The combined ticket for the museum and festival costs €14 for adults (otherwise €20) and €9.50 for children (4-16 years) (otherwise €15.50). The entrance fee for the museum festival alone is €6 for all age groups. Annual pass holders have Free admission.

Further information can be found at

https://www.neanderthal.de/de/museumsfest.html

Important information on directions and parking

It is recommended that you travel by public transport. Those arriving by car should use one of the following parking lots:

• P&R parking lot S-Bahn Neanderthal (directly above the museum, 5 to 10 minutes on foot).
• Central parking lot in front of the museum (chargeable, maximum parking time: four hours).
• Parking lot on the premises of the Erwepa company, Mettmanner Str. 51, Erkrath (approx. 25 minutes on foot) with free shuttle service between the Erwepa parking lot and the museum on Saturday from 1 to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Neandertal retirement home, Talstraße 189 (25 minutes' walk to the museum).

Price information:

- Price from 4 years - Free admission for toddlers up to 3 years - Optional admission to the museum: surcharge of €8 for adults and €4.50 for children