District of Mettmann

In 1988, the country council of the district Mettmann set up the preconditions for the formation of the Neanderthal foundation. This provided the organizational framework for further planning and the construction of a new museum; a museum that is meant for Neanderthal-fossils of worldwide fame. With the constitution of the foundation in 1992, the district Mettmann and the NM Association committed themselves to build and run the museum. Even though no public money was used to set up the museum and to cover the running costs, the Neanderthal Museum depends on additional operating subsidy of the district Mettmann.

The ambition of the district Mettmann is to establish the Neanderthal Museum as an internationally ranking, cultural and touristic centre.