Dinofieber at Biosphäre Potsdam

We decided to kick off the new year by getting our learning on at the Biosphäre Potsdam. With its ubiquitous U-Bahn ads and a dinosaur exhibit that was closing soon (it runs through the 5th of January), we figured what better way to spend an afternoon just outside of Berlin when everything else was closed for the new year holiday. The warm, tropical weather inside was a treat in the middle of winter as well.

Arriving late on a very overcast afternoon, inside the Biosphäre was rather dark and moody. The crowds were starting to disperse as families with small children (which was essentially everyone but us) began to call it a day as little ones' crankiness set in. We had worried that perhaps we were off to a bit of a late start, but it turned out that just a couple of hours is more than enough to make ones way through all the exhibits at a leisurely pace. From the environment details - like the regular simulated thunderstorms and thick humidity - to the assortment of cool creatures, there was plenty to look at and enjoy beyond the makings of a bland science class field trip. The introductory movie that transported me right back to the Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland and the Schmetterlingshaus (great German word, no?) full of butterflies that seemed to have an affinity for my now-abundant, short-hair hair products might have been a few of my favorite things.

While some of the exhibits were a little lacking, most notably the Aquasphäre with a fake aquarium complete with faux coral glued to the wall and a rather sad looking dried puffer fish hanging from fishing line, overall the Biosphäre was an enjoyable afternoon. Admittedly, we had grown up spoiled by some of the best science and nature museums in California - like the Exploratorium, the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the California Academy of Sciences - but it definitely instilled an appreciation of learning and exploring museums, and this was no exception. So whether you're looking for a place to geek out on science-y stuff or just want to meander through a tropical green space for the day, Biosphäre Potsdam is a great place to do it.



Biosphäre Potsdam GmbH
Georg-Herman-Allee 99
14469 Potsdam
Tel: 0331-550 74 0