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Mineralogical Museum
The Mineralogical Museum of Marburg University, located in the Alten Backhaus right next to the Geography Institute at Firmaneiplatz, is unique in Hesse and one of the most renowned museums of its kind in Germany. Spread over more than 600 m² of exhibition space, the museum introduces visitors to the fascinating world of minerals and rocks, presenting around 3,000, sometimes extraordinary, display specimens from all over the world. Highlights of the museum include, in addition to the famous “Meteorite of Treysa,” the magnificent exhibits of the Ingrid and Reinhard Balzer Foundation and the Gerhard Schweisfurth Collection, with a focus on ore minerals from the Siegerland region.
Originating from the Hessian Mineral Cabinet, established in 1790 by decree of the Landgrave, the collection developed in parallel with the disciplines of mineralogy and, in the early days, also geology at the University of Marburg. In time for the 450th anniversary of Philipps University in 1977, the former teaching collection was officially turned into a public exhibition. The newly established museum has since been housed in the fully renovated old granary of the Teutonic Order behind the Elisabeth Church. Since 2007, when the Faculty of Geosciences was dissolved, the Mineralogical Museum has been part of the Department of Geography.
Friends of the Marburg Mineralogical Museum (Freundeskreis des Marburger Mineralogischen Museums e.V.)
A museum needs friends – that was the idea behind the founding members of the support association Freundeskreis des Marburger Mineralogischen Museums e.V. in February 1990. Today, the circle of friends has around 240 members, including mineral collectors and professionals with connections to geology and mineralogy. The association also appeals to a broader public who value the Mineralogical Museum and its exhibits as cultural and artistic treasures on par with classical cultural assets such as visual arts, music, and theater.
Marburg Geographical Society (MGG)
Founded in 1986, the Marburg Geographical Society has around 850 members. Its statutes aim, among other things, to promote geographical and regional research through excursions, lectures, and teacher training seminars; to collect and present materials on geographical regional studies and spatial research (particularly in Hesse); and to publish geographical works, such as the City Map of Marburg and the Marburger Geographical Publications.
European Geography Association (EGEA)
EGEA is an association that brings together young people to promote education as well as scientific and cultural exchange. Being part of EGEA means belonging to a large community of people who share a passion for geographical topics. Rooted in Europe, EGEA stands for openness, tolerance, and diversity. The network spans nearly 30 countries and around 80 cities. EGEA unites geography students, young geographers, and anyone interested in the broad field of geography, with a focus on knowledge exchange and broadening perspectives.