Exhibits
Now on view and coming soon
Welcome to your world!
A distant star twinkling at night. Cranes dancing to attract mates. The face that greets you in the mirror each morning. All are part of one, extraordinary story. Join us on a wondrous journey through space and time in our permanent exhibit, Minnesota Journeys.
From the origin of life to the amazing diversity of nature. Around the universe and across Minnesota. Deep into Earth’s history and onward to our evolving future. Meet University of Minnesota scientists developing innovative solutions to some of Earth’s grand challenges.
The Touch & See Lab is the first hands-on natural history discovery room and it is still enchanting visitors after 50 years. All ages will enjoy this interactive, behind-the scenes look at natural history collections, live animals, scientific challenges, digital microscopes, and arts activities.
Tour the cosmos and beyond in the Whitney and Elizabeth MacMillan Planetarium—from original Bell productions to live presentations, special events, and more.
On view
Wonder: Experiences of Nature, Curiosity, and Play
Saturday, January 24—Sunday, June 7, 2026
Nature can inspire awe, curiosity, surprise, and more. Have you ever been amazed by something you saw or heard outside? Has an experience in nature inspired a question that you just had to answer? Wonder explores the relationship between nature, curiosity, and play through experiences that encourage creativity, story-telling, and reflection. Engage your senses, pause and reflect, explore and play—and wonder at the natural world!
Imagine the Future
Opening celebration April 26, 2025
Save the date for the opening day celebration of our redesigned Imagine the Future gallery. The new exhibition invites visitors to learn about climate change in Minnesota and find hope—and inspiration—in the ways people are taking action to foster a better tomorrow.
Learn more about Imagine the Future
Coming Soon
Solution Studio
June 16-August 30, 2026
Our summer maker space is back, featuring activities and challenges inspired by the work of University of Minnesota researchers. In Solution Studio, you can follow your curiosity and let your creativity loose. Play games, build things, and awaken your inner scientist. We provide the materials and tools. You get to explore, create, experiment, and share!
Hidden No More: Shedding Light on Science Stories in the Shadows
July 7-August 30, 2026
Stop by this pop-up exhibit to uncover some hidden stories in the history and practice of science, with a focus on astrophysics. This pop up experience focuses on women and BIPOC scientists past and present who have contributed to our understanding of the world, and whose stories you may not have heard before.