San Diego Natural History Museum: explore natures past
Established in 1874, the San Diego Natural History Museum is one of California’s oldest and most respected cultural and science institutions. The museum fosters a community driven focus to interpret the natural world through research, education and exhibits by promoting an understanding of the evolution and diversity of southern California and the peninsula of Baja California.
This three-story Spanish colonial building was constructed in 1933; the original building was 60,000 square feet. In 2001, a 90,000 square foot wing was added. Today, the facility features an exhibition hall, a 300-seat giant screen theater, educational centers, a research library, conference rooms, an atrium and more. The museum collections offer an impressive 8.2 million specimens including birds, botany, entomology, herpetology, mammals, mineralogy, marine invertebrates and paleontology.
Offering more than 300 public education programs each year, the museum is a truly socially embedded part of the San Diego community. For adults, the public educational topics include sustainable gardening techniques, kayaking, photography, whale watching and more. Children will enjoy the Nature & Me Storytime series with topics including reptiles, dinosaurs, insects and wildlife.
In the theater, embark on a 3D adventure into the Wild Ocean—capturing nature's greatest migrations of the dolphins, sharks, whales, gannets, seals and billions of fish. Or, enjoy Dinosaurs Alive!—a global adventure of science and discovery featuring the entire age of dinosaurs as they are reawakened on the giant screen.
For a bite to eat while visiting the museum, check out the Dinosaur café located in the atrium. There you can relax and recharge while visiting the museum and enjoy sandwiches, soups, salads, drinks and dessert items. Want to take a piece of the museum home with you? Be sure to visit the museum shop to pick up trinkets, books, posters, prints, shirts, gift certificates and much more.
Visit the museum website for a complete list of current exhibits, events and showtimes.
- by Jennifer Pruett, San Diego Reporter for HelloMetro
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Jennifer PruettA self proclaimed “queen of everything," Jennifer is a writer, planner and passionate lover of making exciting events extra special. As a creative mother of two she loves art, music, family, friends, exotic cuisine and exploring new areas of self improvement. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal studies from the University of Oklahoma and has been writing restaurant and attraction reviews in the Phoenix Metro area since January, 2009.
