Special Exhibition 2025: Earth's Treasures

From October 23 to 26, the special exhibition “Earth's Treasures” at the Munich Show will focus on the diversity of European raw materials and minerals. In cooperation with the Deutsches Museum, the exhibition will present twelve European countries and their characteristic deposits. The show will be complemented by loans from renowned natural history museums in Vienna, Paris, Oslo, and other cities. This will allow both scientists and the interested public to experience Europe's wealth.

Europe is geologically extremely diverse. In the north and northeast, ancient crystalline and metamorphic rocks of the Baltic Shield are exposed, while central and southern Europe is characterized by younger, tectonically active mountain formations such as the Alps, Carpathians, and Pyrenees. This geological diversity has produced a rich spectrum of deposits – from iron ore and copper to rare minerals.

The special exhibition not only highlights geological features, but also sheds light on social and ecological issues: What impact does raw material extraction have on the environment and nature? What opportunities does recycling offer? And how can Europe increase its resource security? Visitors gain a comprehensive insight into the importance of mineral resources for industry, energy supply, and sustainable development.

Among the particularly impressive mineral exhibits are silver from the Kongsberg mine in Norway, azurite from Chessy in France, rhodochrosite from Chalkidiki in Greece, pyromorphite from Bad Ems in Germany, and elbaite (tourmaline) from Italy. Important raw materials are also on display: iron ore from Kiruna in Sweden, potash from Zielitz in Germany, tungsten from Mittersill in Austria, copper from Rudna in Poland, and bauxite from Itea in Greece.

The exhibition combines impressive crystal formations with practical references to modern industry. For example, it shows the importance of copper, cobalt, and lithium for energy and mobility solutions, as well as the use of potash, bauxite, and iron in construction, agriculture, and technology. The special exhibition offers trade visitors and mineral enthusiasts in particular a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and diversity of European mineral resources up close.

“Earth's Treasures” at the Munich Show reveals Europe's hidden wealth and combines geological, industrial, and social perspectives in an exciting way. It is well worth a visit for anyone who loves minerals, understands raw materials, or simply wants to discover the fascinating world of European mineral resources.

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Graphic: Munich Show / Photo: Heliodor, Malte Sickinger