A wall work by contemporary artist Tim Berresheim in the new permanent exhibition "Brains" at the Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum in Frankfurt, sponsored by the Hertie Foundation. (Photo: © Sven Tränkner, Senckenberg)
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September 2025
A new permanent exhibition at the Senckenberg Natural History Museum in Frankfurt explores the brains of humans and animals from various perspectives. Visitors can even immerse themselves in the world of Bundesliga record-breaking player Karl-Heinz "Charly" Körbel.
We are rarely aware of its astonishing power, even though it enables us to live , dream , and desire , but also to experience fears . It is arguably the most complex organ, coordinating all our thoughts and feelings : the brain.
The Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum in Frankfurt invites visitors to delve into the enigmatic world of the organic masterpiece of humans and animals in its new permanent exhibition , " Brains ." The basic concept was developed by the non-profit Hertie Foundation , which funded the exhibition with approximately one million euros. Over 120 exhibits, displayed across 200 square meters of exhibition space, present both the findings of neuroscience and natural sciences , as well as the brain's role in football. In addition, the artist Tim Berresheim offers his own interpretation of the topic.
Visitors to the exhibition are greeted by a sculpture of Bundesliga record holder Karl-Heinz "Charly" Körbel . This sculpture depicts not only the physical appearance of the Eintracht Frankfurt legend, but also his internal structures , such as facial muscles, eyes, veins, and nerves. This was achieved by the artist Tim Berresheim using data from an MRI scan of Körbel's brain, photogrammetric images , and structured light scans.
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"It is a great honor that my brain is presented as part of this exciting exhibition ," said Körbel. "Football requires constant interaction between body and mind , and I am delighted that the exhibition so impressively demonstrates the complex interplay of the two."
The exhibition also provides insights into the structure of the brain and its functions . Models and animations illustrate the interplay between different brain regions to aid understanding . For example, displays and exhibits demonstrate how the cerebral hemispheres control cognitive abilities such as language and creativity , while the cerebellum governs motor skills and balance . Basic bodily functions like breathing and heartbeat are enabled by the brainstem , the brain's central nervous system.
"The exhibition impressively conveys how the brain, as an incredibly complex network , performs at a high level every second," explains curator Maximilian Bugert . "Microscopically small neurons and glial cells are the main players in the nervous system . Neurons conduct electrical signals and form networks for perception, motor skills, and emotions. Glial cells support the transmission and conduction of stimuli and are involved in the brain's immune defense. Visitors learn more about the different types of cells in the nervous system and their functions."
In a virtual stadium, visitors can interact with an avatar of Charly Körbel on the playing field to experience the brain in action. "Here, you can understand what happens in a player's brain when they shoot a ball, hear the cheers of the crowd, or the referee blows his whistle," explains curator Adela Kutschke . "This interactive station illustrates how perception , emotions , and reactions are interconnected in the brain."
The diversity of brains and their evolutionary development is also explored. The development of the human brain is compared to the cognitive abilities of other living beings . Visitors will learn about, among other things, the brain of the silver ant, the infrared sense of the lancehead viper, and the "third eye" of the Nile monitor lizard, thus highlighting the astonishing sensory perceptions and nervous systems of animals .
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Another focus is on brain development from infancy to old age. The complexity of neuronal connections that the human brain continuously develops and refines over time is illustrated by a large-scale connectome model.
Artist Tim Berresheim complements the exhibition with wall designs , exhibition mascots , and memorabilia from Körbel's football career. "Through this artistic approach, the complexity of the topic 'brains' is placed in a familiar context. Charly Körbel's personal story becomes a narrative element that makes scientific content accessible," Berresheim points out. "This combination of science and art creates a unique space for reflection and discussion about the brain and its significance."
Tickets and opening timesClick here for the Online ticket sales. Tickets can also on site be acquired.
Senckenberg Nature Museum Frankfurt
Senckenberganlage 25
60325 Frankfurt
Opening hours
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays: 9 am to 17 pm
Wednesdays: 9 a.m. to 20 p.m.
Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: 9 a.m. to 18 p.m.
Information on Guided tours and workshops Is there ... here.
"The brain is the key to everything we do, think, and feel. The exhibition offers a unique opportunity to experience the brains of humans and animals from different perspectives and combines scientific and artistic approaches," summarizes Prof. Dr. Andreas Mulch , Director of the Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt.
Dr. Eva Roßmanith , acting museum director , adds: "We are delighted to be able to present this topic in such a diverse way in cooperation with the non-profit Hertie Foundation , one of the largest private sponsors of brain research in Germany, and with the artist Tim Berresheim ."
" Brain research is a dynamic and exciting field that constantly offers us new insights into the human brain and its amazing abilities. We are delighted to contribute to the exhibition, to raise awareness of the importance of brain research and at the same time to awaken public interest in this fascinating organ," says Dr. Astrid Proksch , Managing Director of "Researching the Brain" at the Hertie Foundation.
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About the Hertie Foundation and the Senckenberg Society for Natural ResearchWhile the Hertie Foundation on its two main themes "Exploring the brain" and "strengthening democracy" focuses on researching the Senckenberg Society for Natural Research – an institution of Leibniz Association – for more than 200 years the "Earth System" on a global level, in the past, present and with forecasts for the future.
Here there is more about the Hertie FoundationFor more information about Senckenberg Society for Natural Research easy click here. Source: Senckenberg Natural History Museum Frankfurt / Hertie FoundationDHB now also digital!Simply click here and register for the digital German Crafts Journal (DHB)!
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