Campuses:
The Bell Museum of Natural History implements its mission to discover, document and understand nature and promote informed stewardship of our world through a collection of special and permanent exhibitions, including:
June 2, 2012 - September 2, 2012
We’ve combed through the Bell Museum’s more than 4 million specimens to find the most interesting and unusual creatures found on Earth. Satisfy your family’s natural curiosity by viewing things like a 400-pound clam or killer pine cones. In this summer-time show, there is a chance to learn about a different specimens’ story, see the oddities and giants of the natural world, observe vintage models and play a guessing game. It is a great time to learn about unexpected critters in our world!
June 2, 2012 - September 2, 2012
Lepidoptera – butterflies and moths – are renowned for their delicate beauty and amazing diversity. From the mysteries of metamorphosis to their intricate ecological interdependence with flowering plants, butterflies have provided insights into many biological concepts and inspired people throughout the ages.
Browse 25 panels and cases with real specimens that explore topics such as butterfly life cycles, warning coloration, butterfly gardening and conservation. The exhibition will also include small dioramas, build-your-own butterfly and moth models, photos and artworks. Put your new knowledge to use as you continue your own exploration in the museum’s courtyard butterfly garden.
Diorama HallsOngoing, Part of the Bell Museum Permanent Exhibition Collection
The renowned Diorama Halls of the Bell Museum have been educating visitors for decades. From caribou to bald eagles and badgers to wolves—get a "slice of life" view of these incredible animals in their natural habitat settings. Many of our large dioramas depict actual locations in Minnesota.
Many dioramas are set against the work of well-known artist Francis Lee Jaques, a painter and illustrator best known for the distinctive style of his dioramas at the Bell Museum and American Museum of Natural History in New York City.
Take a virtual look at the Dioramas
Touch and See Discovery RoomOngoing, Part of the Bell Museum Permanent Exhibition Collection
Visit the Touch and See Discovery Room—a place where you can find the answers to your questions about the natural world. Investigate wondrous objects, from a 10,000-year-old wooly mammoth tusk to a life-sized Kodiak bear, from an elephant skull to a living, moving snake.
Since its creation in 1968, the Touch and See Discovery room has been a favorite part of the Bell Museum for visitors of all ages.
Visit the exhibit page for the Touch and See Discovery Room
Under the Fig Leaf: Rainforest ResearchOngoing, Part of the Bell Museum Permanent Exhibition Collection
Explore the rainforest and learn about rainforest-related research being done by Bell scientists! Ariel walkways provide views from above the canopy in addition to ground-level observation offering an "in the forest" eye's view.