Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHMLAC) is a premier California attraction celebrating the planet's rich natural history and biodiversity. Experience California "as it was" millions of years ago at this incredible attraction that comes alive with research and collections in the fields of anthropology, archaeology, history, ethnology, entomology, herpetology, invertebrate and vertebrate paleontology, mammalogy, mineralogy, ornithology, and much more. One of the world's largest natural and historical museums, NHMLAC features a collection with nearly 35 million specimens and artifacts spanning 4.5 billion years! There's no better place to explore dinosaurs, gems, mummies, and more!

Plan Your Visit to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Located at 900 Exposition Boulevard in Los Angeles, NHMLAC has a central location that's easy to find. The museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Ticket prices are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, $12 for students, and $7 for children. Members get unlimited free access.

The museum is closed on the first Tuesday of every month. In addition, the museum closes each year in celebration of Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. It's highly recommended that guests purchase tickets ahead of time online to ensure entry on their preferred dates. Guests can park inside the Natural History Museum Car Park on Bill Robinson Lane for a flat rate of $15. Additional $15 parking is available in the Blue Structure parking lot on Figueroa Boulevard. The Expo Park/USC and Expo/Vermont stations are the closest options for guests accessing the museum using the Metro Light Rail system.

Exhibitions

NHMLAC offers world-class exhibits showcasing the natural history of Los Angeles, the United States, and the planet. This is one of the best places to see specimens pulled from the famed La Brea Tar Pits. The museum's list of ongoing exhibits includes Dinosaur Hall, Nature Lab, Visible Vault, Hall of Birds, the Gem and Mineral Hall, African and North American Diorama Halls, Age of Mammals, Becoming Los Angeles, and the P-22 exhibit that highlights the famous mountain lion that resides in Griffith Park. NHMLAC also hosts visiting exhibitions showcasing specific eras and occurrences from the beginning of time through today.

Nature Gardens

The Nature Gardens at NHMLAC provide an "urban wildlife wonderland" in the heart of Los Angeles. Featuring more than 600 plant varieties, the gardens offer stunning, lush habits for birds, lizards, butterflies, squirrels, and more. Visitors will enjoy a variety of plants and flowers native to California. Greenery from around the globe also populates the gardens. Highlights to look for while touring the garden campus include a wildlife viewing area, an urban waterfall and creek bed, a pollinator meadow, and a pond.

Dinosaur Encounters Show

NHMLAC hosts daily dinosaur encounter shows featuring fun, lively, and engaging performances with the museum's life-sized dinosaur puppets. With help from a team of paleontologists and puppeteers, attendees get an authentic glimpse of how these prehistoric wonders lived, moved, and interacted with their natural environment. Thursday and Friday, NHMLAC Dinosaur Encounters performances occur at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday show run at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The cost to attend is $6 per person.

The best way to appreciate the sparkle of Hollywood today is to see the natural sparks that started it all! NHMLAC showcases the beauty and mystery of California through the eons. It's a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Hollywood and Los Angeles.