Our earth is a unique planet. Life originated on it. Over thousands of years, humankind existed without leaving a profound mark on the environment. In the meantime, our constantly growing need for space and natural resources is putting pressure on ecosystems around the world. The exhibition EARTH AT ITS LIMITS explains our role in nature. How is our planet? Which natural processes do we influence and what are the consequences for nature and for people? What are the longterm consequences of our actions? How can we shape the future?

The Blue Planet

The Earth is the only planet we know on which life can exist. It is approx. 4.6 billion years old and life forms arose around 3.7 billion years ago. Evidence of human existence goes back 300,000 years.

The System of Nature

Life needs energy. Sunlight triggers natural cycles that allow organisms to grow, move and reproduce. Animals, plants, fungi and microorganisms form ecosystems - networks of interrelationships with each other and their environment.

The Antropocene

We humans are in integral part of these ecosystems. For millennia, man lived in harmony with nature. Yet we now are causing profound changes on the planet. The "Age of Man" has begun.

The Big Issues

The relationship between man and nature is off balance. We humans are meanwhile changing living conditions on earth. Entire ecosystems are coming under pressure. Six megatrends sum up the greatest challenges.

Big Issue 1

Overused Land

Landscapes were natural wilds for millions of years. In the meantime, we humans have changed three-fourths of the land area for farming, traffic, housing developments and the exploiting of raw materials.

Big Issue 2

Impacted Oceans

The oceans are the source of livelihood for almost a billion people. Oceans influence our climate and are the habitat of many different creatures and unique ecosystems. Even the vast oceans are showing clear signs of human impact.

Big Issue 3

Finite Freshwater

Without clean freshwater we humans and all land animals and plants cannot survive. It is also the habitat of many fish, insects, mussels, crustaceans and aquatic plants.

Big Issue 4

Environmental Pollution

How much is useful, how much is harmful? Today in the Anthropocene, the fine line between the benefits of an ecological damage caused by the use of chemicals has become narrower.

Big Issue 5

Bad Atmosphere

Clean air. We need it to live. But where can it be found? Polluted air is a health risk and environmental problem in more than just smog-polluted metropolises.

Big Issue 6

Too Hot!

The global average temperature has risen by 1°C since the pre-industrial age. This is due to greenhouse gas emissions and increasing deforestation worldwide.

Your Visit

Opening Hours

Tue/Thu/Fri from 1 to 5 pm
Wed from 1 to 8 pm
Sat/Sun from 1 to 6 pm
Special opening hours for groups in the morning and evenings

 

Admission and Memebership

Tickets

Adults CHF 14
Students (16 to 25), IV, with valid ID CHF 11
Children/teenagers 6 to 16 years CHF 9
Children below 6, accompanied by a family member free
PHZH: students, teachers, staff (with valid ID) free

Reduced prices

Free admission to the Kulturama for individuals with following cards:

  • Swiss Museum Pass
  • Raiffeisen Museum Pass
  • VMS/ICOM

Offers for schools are available here or contact us by phone +41 44 260 60 44.

 

Exhibition Leaflet

Download (only in German)

Location and How to Get There

KULTURAMA
Museum of Human Evolution
Englischviertelstrasse 9
CH-8032 Zürich

Link to Google Maps

By public transportation

  • Tram 3, direction Klusplatz, to tram stop «Hottingerplatz
  • Tram 8, direction Klusplatz, to Tram stop «Englischviertelstrasse»

Link to timetable

By car

Route planner

 

Parking Spaces

  • Two parking spaces in front of the main entrance
  • Multi-storey car park «Hohe Promenade» about 10 minutes' walk away
  • «Blue Zone» parking spaces in surrounding streets (neighbourhood)
Contact

KULTURAMA
Museum of Human Evolution
Kulturama-Stiftung
Englischviertelstrasse 9
CH-8032 Zürich

T: +41 44 260 60 44
mail@kulturama.ch
www.kulturama.ch/en

 

Offer

Museum Shop

The museum shop is located in the entrance area and is accessible without admission to the museum. You can also order selected items online.

People with Additional Needs

The special exhibtion is wheelchair accessible.

Schulen

As an interdisciplinary learning museum, we offer school classes and teachers well devised museum educational programmes. Depending on the topic and school level, the workshops alternate between input from our guides, playful activities and time for independent work by the students.

We will be happy to advise you on suitable offers for your school class: +41 44 260 60 44 or mail@kulturama.ch

Private Tours

Guided tour through the special exhibition EARTH AT ITS LIMITS

Duration: 60 min
Costs: CHF 290 (incl. admission) until 20 participants

Duration: 90 min
Costs: CHF 390 (incl. admission) until 20 participants

Max. 5 additional participants pay CHF 12 per person. These reduced rates only apply if one person pays for all.
Max. 25 persons per offer and guide. If there are more participants, several offers can be booked in different exhibition areas.
Offer bookable from Tuesday to Friday, 9 am to 8 pm and Saturday/Sunday from 1 pm to 6 pm. Outside these times, a surcharge of CHF 200 applies.
Free tickets, subscriptions, museum passes and discounts are not valid for booked offers.

Events

Around the Exhibition

Ausstellungskonzept