Fascination with dragons

Dragons don't exist! And yet dragons are everywhere! Since prehistoric times, the colorful race of dragons has been found on every continent. There, they conquer religions, art, literature, architecture, populate the film and computer worlds, and even make their way into children's bedrooms.

Dragons, as ancient myths, sagas, and legends already reported, appeared as gigantic, fire-breathing creatures that lived in dark caves, on secluded cliffs, or in the depths of the sea, or even flew through the skies. They could bring luck and rain, or simply spread chaos.

Especially in the Middle Ages, they – equipped with poisonous breath and dangerously sharp claws – sometimes challenged their opponents to heroic deeds.

But where does this multifaceted creature originally come from? And how did it evolve? Is it dangerous or more of a lucky charm? What role does the dragon play for us today?

The exhibition offers a close encounter with a wide variety of dragons from public and private collections – from the fields of paleontology, zoology, antiquity, world culture, folklore, and art history, among others. They trace the development from the Ice Age "dragon" and Asian models, through the dragons of the Vikings and Celts, and the dragon conceptions of the Middle Ages to the present day!

Young and old visitors learn about dragon blood and dragon hearts, experience so-called dragon fish and can observe the bearded dragon with its dragon-like spines and scales.

After defeating the dragon, the bravest can explore its lair, complete with listening, gaming, and reading corners. For younger visitors ages 10 and up, as well as adults, there's a PlayStation available where they can alternate between playing the Japanese-developed computer game Last Guardian or How to Train Your Dragon 2.

An extensive accompanying program with special guests, including Ingo Siegner, whose original illustrations can also be seen, the world champion in body painting Julie Boehm and Germany's largest Reptilium Landau complements the exhibition.

From May 6th, follow the trail of the dragons!

The approximately 100 other dragons at Neuenbürg Castle are completely harmless, by the way! Children will also be thrilled.