The History of the Black Owl as a Symbol for Nature Conservation

The special exhibition "Attention Owl! A Sign for Nature Conservation" at the Natural History Museum Potsdam is dedicated to the history of a special nature conservation symbol: the black owl. The focus is on Erna and Kurt Kretschmann, who created the symbol, and its significance for nature conservation in the GDR.

The black owl is closely linked to the development of nature conservation thought in the GDR. The exhibition invites visitors to learn about the background of this symbol and to consider its historical context. It becomes clear how a pictorial symbol can stand for nature protection and gain public attention beyond its original creation context.

Nature Conservation History in the Museum

The exhibition connects personal authorship, symbol history, and the perspective on nature conservation in the GDR. Visitors can engage with the question of what role signs and symbols play in the communication of nature conservation and why the black owl is still associated with this topic today.

The venue is the Natural History Museum Potsdam at Breite Straße 13. The special exhibition thus provides an opportunity to engage with a piece of German environmental and nature conservation history in Potsdam. The focus is not only on the owl as a motif but also on the history of the people who developed this symbol.

Important Information

• Exhibition: "Attention Owl! A Sign for Nature Conservation"
• Date: November 22, 2026
• Location: Natural History Museum Potsdam, Breite Straße 13, 14467 Potsdam
• Topic: History of the black owl and its connection to nature conservation in the GDR

Information on the time, entrance fees, opening hours, parking options, and accessibility is not available in the provided event information. Therefore, checking the official event page is recommended for precise visit planning.