When can the exhibition be visited on October 22, 2026?

The exhibition is open on October 22, 2026, from 9 AM to 5 PM.

How much does admission cost?

The regular admission for adults is 4 Euros. Children between 6 and 18 years pay 2 Euros, and the reduced admission is 3 Euros.

Where does the exhibition take place?

The special exhibition can be seen at the Natural History Museum Potsdam, Breite Straße 13, 14467 Potsdam.

What content does the exhibition present?

The exhibition shows the history of the nature conservation owl, the life of Erna and Kurt Kretschmann, as well as historical photos, original signs, documents, radio, and film contributions.

Are there guided tours of the exhibition?

Yes, the accompanying program includes guided tours with co-curator Jeanette Toussaint and other experts. Dates will be published by the museum and organizers.

How long will the exhibition be on display?

The exhibition has been extended until March 28, 2027, and can be visited from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Attention Owl! How a Strong Symbol Tells the History of Nature Conservation

Name: Special Exhibition "Attention Owl! A Sign for Nature Conservation"
Start: 2026-10-22T09:00:00+02:00
End: 2026-10-22T17:00:00+02:00
Location: Naturkundemuseum Potsdam

The Owl as an Image of Nature Conservation: History, Design and Responsibility

The special exhibition "Attention Owl! A Sign for Nature Conservation" at the Natural History Museum Potsdam is dedicated to a motif that connects generations with protected nature: the black owl on a yellow background. On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the symbol, the exhibition tells the story of Erna and Kurt Kretschmann, their commitment to nature conservation, and the eventful history of the sign.

A Symbol with Clear Form and Great Impact

The exhibition makes visible how a concise graphic design became a widely recognized symbol for nature reserves, natural monuments, and protected landscapes. The reduced form language of the owl possesses immediate visual power: Black and yellow create contrast, orientation, and recognizability. In examining the work, the view opens onto design as a cultural practice and public sign.

Erna and Kurt Kretschmann in Historical Context

At the center is the dynamic life of the couple from Bad Freienwalde, closely connected with nature conservation in the GDR. The exhibition places their work within the history of East German nature conservation and shows how knowledge, nature observation, and social engagement were interconnected. Photographs, documents, and original nature conservation signs from various decades provide insights into the everyday life, ideational world, and impact history of the two pioneers.

Between Museum, Landscape, and Cultural Education

The presentation connects historical research with aesthetic experience. Radio and film contributions expand the exhibition with acoustic and audiovisual levels, while historical materials make the development of the nature conservation sign comprehensible. Thus, an exhibition atmosphere emerges where graphic design, environmental history, and political education intertwine.

Nature Conservation as a Living Task

"Attention Owl!" does not only look back. The history of the symbol leads directly to current questions about species and landscape protection, the preservation of biological diversity, and the relationship between humans and nature. Accompanying tours with the curators deepen the content and encourage discussion about current challenges in nature conservation work.

Conclusion: A Sign That Continues to Have an Impact

Visitors can expect a concentrated art experience between graphics, photography, documentation, and environmental history. The special exhibition shows how a simple image idea shapes collective memory and can still provide orientation today. Anyone wishing to understand the cultural significance of nature conservation and experience the aesthetic power of a public sign firsthand should definitely visit this exhibition at the Natural History Museum Potsdam.