Explore majestic dioramas of African landscapes, trace the milestones of our own species' fascinating history, and meet our colony of African penguins.
Kimball Natural History Museum
Drawing on the Academy's 150-plus years of research and specimen collection, Kimball Natural History Museum explores some of the most significant discoveries and issues of our time.
Learn what earthquakes tell us about the movement of tectonic plates, compare fossils of our early human relatives, and see adaptations that make life possible even in the harshest environments—all while strolling beneath the bones of some of the planet's largest inhabitants.
The Kimball Natural History Museum is an embodiment of the Academy's mission to explore, explain, and sustain life. While featuring immersive exhibits that illustrate the patterns and processes of evolution, it also explores ways we can help to protect that diversity.
Color of Life
This interactive family favorite illustrates color’s powerful influence on animal behavior in a variety of habitats—from ocean floors to coral reefs to forest canopies.
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The Project Lab
Watch Academy scientists at work in this active research laboratory, where specimen imaging, DNA extractions, and bird and mammal prep occurs daily.
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Science Today
This interactive exhibit (which also hosts live talks by Academy scientists) includes computer stations, multimedia displays, and science broadcasts that reveal recent scientific discoveries from around the world.
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Foucault Pendulum
A returning favorite from the original Academy, the Foucault pendulum—a 235-pound brass ball attached to a 30-foot-long steel aircraft cable—provides simple and elegant proof of the Earth's rotation.
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Other Highlights
From our 87-foot-long blue whale skeleton to the towering T. rex that greets you at the door, the Kimball Natural History Museum is packed with yet more fascinating invitations to explore the spectacular diversity of life on Earth.
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Visit the Naturalist Center
Visit the Naturalist Center
Located on Level 3, the Naturalist Center is the Academy's home of interactive learning. Touch specimens, ask questions, or join one of our daily programs, all free with admission.
Visitor Map
Interactive Visitor Map
How do animals get their scientific names? Find out as our scientists add 221 new species to the tree of life.
A new study of the genetics of the beaks of Darwin's finches is the perfect gift!
Specimens collected hundreds of years ago benefit from today's technology to aide conservation efforts.