With four floors of exhibits, including the largest display of dinosaurs in Michigan, the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History inspires visitors of all ages to discover the excitement of science and the natural world around us.

In addition to the many dinosaurs, including a Tyrannosaurus rex skull and an Allosaurus fragilis, the large second floor gallery includes displays of prehistoric animals such as mastodons, ancient whales, a saber tooth cat and an ostrich-like moa. Visitors also can explore Life Through the Ages in a room lined with scenes from prehistoric life in classic dioramas.

In the Michigan Gallery, visitors can identify birds they have seen in their own backyard, see a real wolverine (although scientists now doubt that wolverines are native to Michigan) and find models of Michigan snakes, toads and frogs as well as other animals displayed in their natural habitats. You’ll also see exhibits about ecology including how invasive species impact Michigan’s environment.

On the top floor, minerals such as quartz and aquamarine line the walls, and an Archeology exhibit displays the field work of U-M scientists, including underwater archeology in the Great Lakes! Temporary exhibits are also housed on this floor.

With shows on weekends and during school breaks, the Planetarium offers highly visual experiences that both educate and entertain including seasonal star talks about the current night sky and programs on contemporary topics in astronomy and beyond.

The University of Michigan Museum of Natural History promotes understanding and appreciation of the natural world and our place in it. We create exhibits and programs that inspire diverse audiences to engage in explorations of scientific research and discovery.

The University of Michigan's Natural History collections were established in the mid-19th century and became significant with the donation of over 60,000 specimens by a world-traveling alumnus, Joseph Beal Steere, in the 1870s.

The current building was completed in 1928. In the early 20th century, the University Museum subdivided into four separate research museums: the Museums of Paleontology, Zoology, and Anthropological Archaeology, and the University Herbarium. The Museum of Natural History, devoted exclusively to the development of exhibits and educational programs, was officially created in 1956, although public displays had been offered for some 100 years at that point.