News in Gondwana: Controversial projects and future plans in the Praehistorium!

News in Gondwana: Controversial projects and future plans in the Praehistorium!

On July 22, 2025, the newest attraction in Gondwana - The Praehistorium in Schiffweiler was presented to the public. Matthias Michael Kuhl, idea generator and operator of the Natural History Experience Museum, invited people to a background discussion to provide information about developments on the site. After 17 years of the museum's existence, Kuhl emphasized his expectations for progress around the area.

The Praehistorium, which opened on December 14, 2008, covers an area of ​​10,000 m² and has established itself with an investment volume of 14 million euros. In recent years, around 110,000 people visited the facility in 2019, which provides information about the history of the earth, from the beginnings of the universe to humanity.

Current challenges

Despite these successes, the Praehistorium still faces numerous challenges. There is currently no bridge from the station to the site, making access difficult for rail passengers. In addition, there is no shuttle service that could make traveling by public transport easier. Future projects, such as a hostel for school classes, a hotel, a swimming pool and an attraction on the mining dump, have not yet been realized.

However, Gondwana itself is more than just a museum. It offers a variety of experiences. The entrance hall impresses with a life-size skeleton of an Argentinosaurus, which was recreated under the supervision of the well-known paleontologist Prof. Rodolfo Coria. In addition, regular “timeline shows” are offered, which impressively stage the development of life through light and orchestral music.

Future prospects

The museum's edutainment approach, which uses realistically recreated ecosystems, animation techniques and audiovisual processes, ensures varied and educational visits. The indoor playground “Gondi’s Dino World” has also been providing entertainment since 2011. An expansion in 2013 brought twelve new themed worlds as well as a robotic-animatronic dinosaur show.

The development of the prehistory was not without political controversy. Critics from the ranks of the SPD, Greens and FDP accused those responsible of using tax money wastefully. While the Saarland CDU state government provided five million euros in tourism funding, a market study showed that the museum had originally expected 250,000 annual visitors. Actual attendance was just 95,500 in 2018, raising questions about economic sustainability.

In the past, the Praehistorium faced serious challenges when a closure was announced in 2010. However, thanks to the support of the state government and the restructuring, a temporary opening was able to take place and the museum's performance was stabilized.

The future of Gondwana – The prehistory remains exciting. It remains to be seen whether the planned projects and the development of the site will be realized in the long term. For Matthias Michael Kuhl and his team, however, it is clear that the focus remains on promoting education and entertainment in the field of natural history.

For further information on the challenges and history of the Praehistorium read Saarbrücker Zeitung, which Wikipedia page or contact the museum directly for insights into current developments.