The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County has amassed one of the world’s most extensive and valuable collections of natural and cultural history — more than 35 million objects. It is the largest natural and historical museum in the western United States.
Their Dinosaur Hall is one of the most extraordinary dinosaur exhibits in the world, and the premier dinosaur experience in the western United States. Inside are more than 300 real fossils, and 20 complete dinosaurs and ancient sea creatures.
Some current exhibits to catch before their gone include:
From the Vaults: A Rare Edition of the Emancipation Proclamation (until March 30)
Get an exclusive look into our collections as we display a rare 1864 commemorative copy of the Emancipation Proclamation signed by President Lincoln.
Late in 1862, President Abraham Lincoln warned the Confederate states: cease your rebellion by January 1, 1863, or all slaves would be freed. On January 1, 1863, as the country entered its third year of the civil war, Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation freeing all people held as slaves.
“We are excited to share this beautifully calligraphed copy of the Emancipation Proclamation signed by Abraham Lincoln with the public,” said Dr. William Estrada, NHMLA Curator of California and American History and Chair of the History Department. “Visitors to the Museum will have the opportunity to take in the historic moment reflected by the document and Lincoln’s words.”
Green Diamonds: Natural Radiance (until April 1)
Some of the world’s rarest colorful diamonds are stopping in Los Angeles for a limited time. NHMLA’s Gem and Mineral Vault welcomes a wide variety of alluring diamonds showcasing natural green radiance. The science behind these diamonds is as mesmerizing as they are!
Tattoo (until April 15)
Tattoo is an exhibition 5,000 years in the making. The art of marking skin with ink spans cultures, continents, and has evolved over time. We find ourselves with a mysterious fascination with both ancient and modern tattoo practices. Are they considered a part of sacred ritual or an act of rebellion? A sign of belonging or expression of individuality? In the special exhibit, you’ll explore the history, technique, motivation, and sheer artistic genius that are connected to one another by ink.
Butterfly Pavilion (until September 3)
Butterflies are taking flight at NHMLA! Get up close to beautiful butterflies in our new Butterfly Pavilion. This seasonal exhibit — located outside on the south side of the Museum — features more flight space, more resting spots, and more natural light. There will be hundreds of free-flying butterflies inside, and our awesome Gallery Interpreters who can explain why these animals are so special.
The Butterfly Pavilion showcases hundreds of butterflies and the plants that surround them, an interaction that has been refined over the course of millions of years. See up close how butterflies use their tubular mouthparts to obtain nectar and witness caterpillars feed on leaves and go through the process of their transformation into adults. Various butterflies are present at different points during the season and the plants will grow and change. This means that each visit to the Butterfly Pavilion can be a different experience!
Spider Pavilion (until Fall 2018)
Our one-of-a-kind Spider Pavilion offers a truly unique experience. Walk through a safe, fascinating open-air pavilion and learn about the amazing engineering that goes into each spider’s web.
Explore the pavilion and walk through a maze of orb weavers and their intricate webs, and hear stories from our Gallery Interpreters about these remarkable creatures as you wander around the Spider Den to see spiders in enclosed habitats.
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