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The SMNS collections hold more than 11 million specimens and other natural objects as well as numerous associated data on taxonomy, genetics, ecology, and geography. Together these comprehensive records and archives of life on Earth and its history constitute a large-scale research infrastructure used by research scientists and the international community. Increasingly, collection information is made available digitally and in online data bases and contributes to international information systems such as the Global Biodiversity Information Facility. The oldest parts of the collection date back to the 16th century, and were originally incorporated in the private “Cabinet of Arts and Natural Curiosities” of the Dukes of Württemberg, which later gave rise to the State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart. Today, the biological and palaeontological collections still have a strong regional focus as well as a worldwide dimension. The collection size is constantly growing due to project-related field work, special acquisitions and bequests. Every year more than 200 foreign scientists visit the museum’s collections for comparative studies.
Our Zoology collection furthermore includes an Entomology collection consisting of 2500 primary types and 4,500,000 individual specimens
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