Vienna's Museum of Natural History is one of the important museums of the world.

Here are exposed thousands of objects representing the earth and life sciences convey an impression of the breathtaking diversity of nature.

Precious minerals, rare fossils, huge dinosaurs and unique prehistoric findings, sare among the things you'll find in the interior.

On the upper floor (Hochparterre) precious stones, minerals (some with origin in old Renaissance collections) and meteorites (the largest display collection in the world) can be seen, along with large dinosaur displays and rare fossils, and along with prehistoric art works: the Venus von Willendorf, the skeleton of Diplodocus, a giant topaz crystal weighing 117 kg (258 lb), and the gemstone-and-diamond bouquet of flowers which Maria Theresia had made as a present for her husband.

The first floor displays the species variety of the animal world, from protozoa to insects to highly developed mammals.

Objects over 200 years old are of interest, not only on their own account but also as historical records for the history of science and the art of taxidermy: numerous stuffed animals of species either extinct, or extremely endangered, have made the collections irreplaceable.

Is importa to remember that most signs and explanations in the museum are in German only.