Messel Educational Program:
Vibrant Biodiversity – The “Messel” Ecosystem Through the Ages
The Messel Pit near Darmstadt is one of the world’s most significant fossil sites and a key focus of research at Senckenberg. In 2025, it celebrated a triple anniversary! 30 years as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, 50 years of systematic excavations (by Senckenberg), and the first fossil discovery 150 years ago. This anniversary offers a unique opportunity for outreach and exchange between research and society—including in 2026.
The unique fossil finds from the pit allow us to reconstruct a 47-million-year-old ecosystem, complete with its flora and fauna: an extraordinary glimpse into the past that reveals much about the variability and evolution of ecosystems and can even provide models for the future in light of upcoming developments toward high-CO₂ climate conditions. A journey through time, made possible by the commitment of citizens, the protection afforded by its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and scientific research conducted by institutions such as Senckenberg.
We aim to highlight the significance of this special fossil site through a comprehensive educational program as part of a special exhibition. What exactly are scientists researching there, and how? Why is a 47-million-year-old ecosystem interesting at all? What does this have to do with us today? We aim to explore these and other questions in the accompanying and supplementary educational program, primarily with students and families, and to share the diverse Senckenberg research with the general public.
Our public educational and outreach programs for 2026, held as part of the “Messel” anniversary exhibition, can be found at the bottom of this page. These and many other exciting events are also listed in our general calendar of events. We look forward to seeing you!
The educational and outreach programs for the “Messel” special exhibition are supported by the BNP Paribas Foundation.


