Bell After Hours

Enjoy a late night at the Bell! Curate your own experience from a host of activities, including the Minnesota Journeys exhibit and planetarium shows. Weather permitting, we will also take in the evening skies with telescope viewing on the Ruth and John Huss Observation Deck.

The art theme for the night is mammals. Join us to sketch unusual and unique specimens curated from our collection or draw your own inspiration from those on display throughout the museum.

Book Talk: A Field Guide to the Natural World of the Twin Cities

Join special guest John Moriarty for a book talk and signing in The Nucleus, beginning at 7pm.

Though the Twin Cities and environs have proven a fine habitat for one particular species, the three million humans who call the area home share these 3,000 square miles with myriad animals and plants, all in a mosaic of various ecosystems. While most of the region’s wildlife has lost its original habitat to agriculture and urban development, a significant patchwork of native and restored habitat remains—prairies, woods, and wetlands, along with pockets in the parks and open spaces throughout the cities and suburbs. This easy-to-use guide gives novice and long-time naturalists alike the tools to find and explore these natural places in the metropolitan Twin Cities, some within the city limits and all within an hour’s drive of downtown Minneapolis.

Including notes on invasive species and a list of references and organizations, this book is a perfect companion and an unparalleled resource for anyone interested in discovering the rich natural world of the Twin Cities.

John J. Moriarty is senior manager of wildlife for the Three Rivers Park District. He has been a natural resources manager for the park systems of Ramsey and Hennepin counties and has been active in local natural history organizations. He is author of five books on Minnesota natural history, including, with Carol D. Hall, Amphibians and Reptiles in Minnesota.

Planetarium Shows

Additional shows in the Whitney and Elizabeth MacMillan Planetarium will be offered at

• 5:15 pm – No Limits!
• 6:30 pm  – Minnesota in the Cosmos
• 7:45pm  – No Limits!

All activities are free with gallery admission. Normal planetarium show ticket fees apply.