Natural Sciences Gallery

Creative, accessible natural science exhibits and programs bring “wild California” indoors. Exploring the gallery on a unique “Walk Through California,” visitors can experience the state’s diverse habitats and creatures while gaining a deeper understanding of environmental issues. The gallery’s California Library of Natural Sounds, one of the most extensive collections in the country, captures animal vocalizations and environmental sounds of all kinds.

: Docent in the Natural Sciences Gallery

Key improvements to the Gallery of California Natural Sciences include:

7,200 additional square feet, gained by using side bays.
Gallery reorganized to better showcase California’s natural diversity across five major geographic regions.
Multimedia theaters, hands-on and tactile exhibits, and guided exploration activities.
“Environmental impact” stations and field stations that show visitors the actual tools of scientific research.
Examples of groundbreaking research on the state’s habitats and species.
Open storage units, interactive exhibits, models and sculptures.
More accessible, interactive text and graphics.
New spaces for curatorial work and education programs.

: Museum Technical Specialist Gavin Lee working on the bull elephant seal model for the new Natural Sciences Gallery. photo by Thomas Heinser.

The Museum's Natural Sciences Department creates all of the permanent gallery exhibits in-house. Staff has already begun work on components for display in the new gallery, such as the elephant seal platform and a complete cast of a Mastodon fossil.

During Phase I construction, the Natural Sciences Gallery is open. Keep checking this website for updates on Phase I construction and Phase II planning.