Inatura – Erlebnis Naturschau Dornbirn

The inatura (officially inatura – Erlebnis Naturschau Dornbirn) is an Austrian natural history state museum located in Dornbirn that showcases the diverse habitats and wildlife of the region. Inatura, which stands for “in nature”, is not just a museum, but also an experience exhibition, a documentation center, and a venue for various events and activities related to nature and the environment.

The History of Inatura

Inatura was established in 2003, as a successor to the previous Vorarlberg nature show that was founded in 1978. The museum was built on the site of the former Rüsch-Werke, a historic industrial complex that produced machinery and turbines from 1858 to 1984. The museum’s architecture preserves some of the original elements of the factory, such as the brick walls, the steel beams, and the chimney, while adding modern features such as glass facades, wooden floors, and interactive displays.

The museum covers an area of about 3,000 square meters, and is surrounded by the Stadtgarten, a 25,000-square-meter park that offers a green oasis in the city of Dornbirn. The park features a pond, a playground, a sculpture garden, and a café.

The Exhibitions of Inatura

The main attraction of Inatura is the experience exhibition, which invites visitors to explore the different habitats and species of Vorarlberg, such as the mountains, the forests, and the water. The exhibition is divided into four sections: Nature, Human, Technology, and Science. Each section features realistic models, live animals, multimedia stations, and hands-on experiments that illustrate the various aspects of nature and its relation to human beings.

One of the highlights of the exhibition is the “Human Miracle”, a permanent exhibit that shows how the human body works, from the cells to the organs, from the senses to the emotions. The exhibit also addresses topics such as health, nutrition, sexuality, and aging.

Another highlight is the “Technology Zone”, a section that challenges visitors to solve technical and physical problems using their creativity and logic. The zone includes activities such as building bridges, testing aerodynamics, and generating electricity.

The Services of Inatura

In addition to the exhibition, Inatura also offers a range of services and facilities for its visitors, such as:

A museum shop, where you can buy souvenirs, books, toys, and other products related to nature and the environment.
A café, where you can enjoy a snack or a drink in a cozy atmosphere, with a view of the park and the museum.
A library, where you can borrow or consult books, magazines, DVDs, and other materials on natural history, ecology, and biology.
A museum education department, where you can book guided tours, workshops, lectures, and other programs for groups, schools, and families.

The Role of Inatura

Inatura is more than just a museum, it is also a natural documentation center of Vorarlberg. It collects and analyzes scientific data and information about the flora and fauna of the region, and uses them to assess the status and threats of the biodiversity. The museum also cooperates with other institutions and organizations to promote the conservation and protection of nature and the environment.

Inatura also organizes and hosts various exhibitions and events throughout the year, both inside and outside the museum. Some examples are:

The “Natur im Fokus” (Nature in Focus) exhibition, which showcases the best photographs of nature and wildlife taken by amateur and professional photographers from Vorarlberg and neighboring countries.
The “Natur erleben” (Experience Nature) event, which offers guided walks, excursions, and workshops in different natural areas of Vorarlberg, such as the Rhine delta, the Bregenz forest, and the Silvretta mountains.
The “Natur schützen” (Protect Nature) campaign, which raises awareness and funds for various environmental causes and projects, such as the preservation of the bearded vulture, the restoration of the wetlands, and the reduction of plastic waste.

Dornbirn, Austria