Hardly any other topic divides society as much as migration at present. Yet it has been part of human history from the very beginning, as the special exhibition ‘Two Million Years of Migration’ at the Neanderthal Museum in Mettmann shows. We have taken the current debate as an opportunity to revise and re-present the successful exhibition from 2017 on the basis of new scientific findings on the causes, mechanisms and effects of global migration movements.
The special exhibition highlights four particularly significant migration events, going back to the origins of all humans in Africa. From there, it follows the traces of Homo erectus and later those of anatomically modern humans to Asia and Europe. The interactive exhibition also explores the encounter between Anatolian farmers and European hunters and gatherers 7,500 years ago and takes a look at the migration of Eurasian steppe nomads, who shaped the genetic makeup of today's Europeans a good 5,000 years ago.
Migration is not a new phenomenon – it has been with us since the dawn of humanity. The special exhibition ‘Two Million Years of Migration’ at the Neanderthal Museum uses current research to shed light on four significant migration movements in human history. It begins with the origins in Africa and traces the paths of Homo erectus and Homo sapiens to Europe and Asia.
The exhibition 2 Million Years of Migration will run from 22 November 2025 to 1 November 2026 at the Neanderthal Museum in Mettmann.
For anyone who wants to learn more about migration, origins and global connections – whether families, individual visitors, school classes or adult groups. The content is exciting, easy to understand and partly interactive.
Migration often divides society today, yet it is a fundamental part of human history. Our exhibition provides scientifically sound yet accessible insights and shows that movement, encounters and mixing have always been formative factors.
The exhibition is included in the normal museum admission price. Tickets are available online or at the box office. We offer special deals for school classes and groups – more information will be available shortly.
Yes! There are public tours, bookable group tours and an interactive programme for schools - also available in English and Dutch. More information coming soon.
At the Neanderthal Museum, Talstraße 300, 40822 Mettmann, just 20 minutes from Düsseldorf – in the heart of the idyllic Neander Valley.
