What Is It?:
Established in 1874, the San Diego Natural History Museum is one of California’s oldest and most respected cultural and science institutions. The Museum and its members have played a pivotal role the establishment of the San Diego Zoo, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Torrey Pines State Park, and Anza Borrego State Park.
Why Should You Visit?:
The museum's mission is: To interpret the natural world through research, education and exhibits; to promote understanding of the evolution and diversity of southern California and the peninsula of Baja California; and to inspire in all a respect for nature and the environment.
What Will You See?:
The Natural History Museum always has a number of new or ongoing exhibits. One of the permanent exhibits is Fossil Mysteries: From dinosaurs to mammoths, discover the rich fossil history of our region. In this major exhibition, created by the Museum, ponder a mystery, examine the strong fossil evidence from the Museum's collection, and use scientific tools to discover answers. In the past, they've had exhibits ranging from the history of chocolate to backyard monsters (bugs) to dogs.
WIll the Dead Sea Scrolls Be Coming There?:
Yes. Starting June 29 and running through Dec. 31, 2007, the Israel Antiquities Authority is partnering with the Museum to bring one of the world's greatest archaeological discoveries—a select number of authentic Dead Sea Scrolls—for exhibition in San Diego.
What Else Is There To See?:
There are two unique features at the Museum that everyone always seems to be fascinated with: the Moreton Bay fig tree and the Foucault pendulum. The Moreton Bay Fig tree to the north of the museum was planted in preparation for the 1915 exposition. Over 95 years old, this tree is listed in the California Registry of Big Trees as one of the champion trees of the state. The Foucault pendulum (pronounced foo-koh), invented in 1851 by French physicist Jean Foucault, gives visual proof of Earth's rotation.
Does the Museum Offer Educational Programs?:
Absolutely. It offers a number of adult, family and student programs and excursions for additional fees, as well as free educational programs and lectures included with museum admission.
Your About Guide's Take:
Address: 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101. The Natural History Museum is located in the heart of Balboa Park, directly across from the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center.
At some point, all kids become fascinated with dinosaurs, and the San Diego Natural History Museum is the place to satisfy your kids' appetite for them. But it's musch more than that. The museum has always had those diorama displays showing wildlife (alwas a favorite of mine as a kid), but in recent years, the museum has expanded the way it approaches the telling of natural history. One recent innovative exhibit was its chocolate exhibition, not one you would normally think to see at the Natural Museum.
In June 2007, the traveling exhibition of the Dead Sea Scrolls arrives at the museum, and it promises to be the hot ticket for the year.
