The Natural History Museum is the largest natural history museum in Rhineland-Palatinate. Originating from the collections of the Rhenish Natural History Society, the nhm was opened as a municipal museum in the former monastery church of the Poor Clares. The scientific collections quickly gained national fame and recognition. 

In times of now clearly noticeable climate change and rapidly advancing species extinction, the work of a natural history museum as a research and educational institution is becoming increasingly important. As databases of nature, natural history collections make an important contribution to climate and biodiversity research and are therefore of great significance for the future of society. The Natural History Museum Mainz thus contributes significantly to the "public understanding of science" and promotes dialogue between science and the public.