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.
Beading the Wildflowers of Minnesota by Alicia De La Cruz
On view May 17–July 21, 2024
In an arts residency at the Bell Museum, Alicia De La Cruz explored plant specimens from the University of Minnesota Herbarium. She learned about evolution and the tree of life, and about endangered plant species in Minnesota and the Midwest. De La Cruz focused on 164 wildflowers that are native to Minnesota and useful to Ojibwe peoples. Drawing on Ojibwe beading traditions that feature stylized floral forms, she set out to create true-to-life representations of these plants. In this display, see the beautiful, intricate beaded flowers she made! While you’re here, grab some coloring sheets made by De La Cruz, and learn more about Minnesota plants in the Minnesota Biodiversity Atlas.