Museum of Evolution and Institute of Paleobiology, Warsaw

The Museum of Evolution of the Institute of Paleobiology, part of the Polish Academy of Sciences, is a prominent institution located in Warsaw. Situated in the iconic Palace of Culture and Science, the museum is dedicated to showcasing the wonders of evolution and the field of paleontology.

Central to the museum's mission is the exploration of key evolutionary questions, such as the origins of humanity, the spread of vertebrates across the globe, and the enigmatic extinction of dinosaurs. The exhibits are designed to provide insights into the general evolution of life on Earth, drawing from the rich findings of paleontological expeditions, particularly those in the Gobi Desert.

One of the museum's most fascinating aspects is its focus on the development of terrestrial vertebrates. Highlighting this theme are genuine dinosaur bones, a testament to the successful Polish-Mongolian expeditions to the Gobi Desert in the 1960s and 1970s. These remarkable finds are complemented by replicas of vertebrates from the unique Mesozoic burial ground of reptiles and amphibians in Krasiejów, in south-western Poland.

The museum’s latest exhibition delves into the world of predators and their prey from various global regions, illustrating the ongoing evolutionary arms race that has shaped life on our planet. Among its collection are fossilized dinosaur eggs and the small skulls of early mammals, providing a glimpse into the era when these mammals lived under the shadow of towering dinosaurs.

The museum also includes an impressive collection of flying reptile and flightless bird skeletons, showcasing the diversity of life forms and supporting the theory of evolution. A dedicated hall explores the evolution of mammals, featuring preserved insects, plants, and fish. Additionally, an upcoming exhibition, in collaboration with the Institute of Zoology, will focus on the evolution of marine life.