As a global research infrastructure, the research collection of the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin is a unique scientific and cultural treasure trove of knowledge that is researched by its own and international experts and made accessible worldwide. These include the collections that Alexander von Humboldt has collected on his travels or received through a global network. More than 1.100 objects, primarily minerals and rocks, were brought to the museum by the researcher. To celebrate its 250th birthday, the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin is publishing an extensive, richly illustrated work presenting these minerals and rocks. Accompanying this, a "Humboldt Intervention" in the historic mineral hall shows selected original objects.
We cordially invite you to our Humboldt celebration on 17 June 2019 from 7.30 pm. Registration for media representatives at: gesine.steiner@mfn.berlin
Program
Greeting Prof. Johannes Vogel, Ph.D., Director General of the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin
Greetings:
Michael Müller, Governing Mayor of Berlin
H.E. Hans Peter Knudsen Quevedo, Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia
H.E. Sergey Y. Netshayev, Ambassador of the Russian Federation (inquired)
Introduction and book presentation by the editors Dr. Ferdinand Damaschun / Dr. Ralf Thomas Schmitt, Museum für Naturkunde Berlin
Podium discussion with:
Prof. Dr. Ursula Klein, Max Planck Institute for the History of Science
Prof. Dr. Irina Talovina, State Mining University St. Petersburg (inquired)
Prof. Dr. Gerhard Heide, Technical University Bergakademie Freiberg
Moderation: Ralf Nestler, science journalist
Alexander v. Humboldt was a Berliner. He was the first cosmopolitan scientist in Germany with an international research network that knew no boundaries between the humanities and natural sciences. As a globetrotter and thinker of globality, he has shown how science can penetrate from the ivory tower into the consciousness of society. With its work as an opening, integrated, globally acting research institute, as a place of lifelong learning and as a dialogue partner for nature, science and education, the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin acts in his spirit. Alexander von Humboldt was willing to take risks, he was politically thinking, acting and responsible. His view of nature paved the way for ecological and sustainable awareness and responsible use of natural resources. In his sense, the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin is increasingly involved as a mediator and advisor in current social debates, e.g. on the issues of resource scarcity, climate change and biodiversity loss. The life's work of A. v. Humboldt and the work of the Research Museum form a symbiosis: enthusiasm, fascination, research, mediation and education, social commitment - for nature. This is why Alexander von Humboldt's handwriting is integrated into the logo of the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin.
Photos are available at:
http://download.naturkundemuseum-berlin.de/presse/Humboldtintervention