The Messel Fossils

The Messel Pit, near Frankfurt in Germany, is an exceptional fossil deposit dating from the Eocene era, 47 million years ago. The Gallery of Evolution displays some of the most beautiful examples, including mammals (like Eurohippus messelensis shown here), insects, fish, frogs, crocodiles, snakes, lizards, tortoises, and birds.

Don’t miss the fossil of Hallensia matthesi, a small primitive horse that is particularly rare: this is the only specimen in the world that is on show to the public!