BananaRama – A research journey to the Banana

31. March 2026 – 17. May 2026

Bananas are among the most important cultivated plants in the world—they are a food source, a source of income, and part of global trade networks. The new special exhibition at the Natural History Museum Bamberg explores the world of the banana, from its biology to its remarkable diversity, from the laboratory to the field, and offers fascinating insights into banana research: How can new varieties be bred? What do drones have to do with banana cultivation?

Today’s agriculture is facing major global challenges: climate change, soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and the need to make food production more sustainable are among the most pressing issues of our time. Conventional banana cultivation is often characterized by monocultures, intensive use of pesticides and fertilizers, and high water consumption. This can lead to environmental damage, soil erosion, and threats to biodiversity.

Interactive elements and selected exhibits show the role that international agricultural research plays—and why preserving crop diversity, protecting plants from disease, and ensuring access to knowledge can be vital for survival. At the center of the exhibition is the plantain, a staple food for millions of people around the world.

The exhibition was developed by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Based on the work of the CGIAR, it makes one thing clear: food security and climate change are global challenges that can only be addressed together.