The tooth that archaeologists discovered during excavations in Schöningen in 2012 was slightly curved, jagged and unusually large. The analyses revealed a sensation: the tooth is around 300,000 years old and comes from a European saber-toothed cat! This proves that the paths of early humans and saber-toothed cats crossed here in Lower Saxony.

What did the European saber-toothed cats look like, how did they live and how did they hunt? With reconstructed skeletons, lifelike models and casts of important paleontological and archaeological finds, the exhibition provides fascinating insights into the abilities and habitat of these prehistoric predators.

The “Catwalk” presents the variety of cat species living today - from domestic cats and lynxes to tigers and lions. They illustrate the similarities and differences to their long-extinct relatives. At hands-on stations, young and old can test the biting power of saber-toothed cats, listen to cat voices and find out how cats see the world.

The exhibition combines exciting science with interactive experiences and makes it clear that these impressive hunters have left their mark...

There is a hands-on album to accompany the special exhibition. It is aimed in particular at children aged 7 and over. The album provides background information on the discovery in Schöningen, general information on the saber-toothed cat and quizzes that can be answered in the exhibition. Children can discover, draw and puzzle their way through the exhibition. You can purchase the album at the cash desk for a fee of 1 euro or download it here to print out yourself.

Download interactive album (pdf, German language only)

You will find the special exhibition on the 1st floor of the special exhibition building.