The Natural History Museum's mission is to preserve the natural world and the cultural history of the region. The permanent collection is always a hit, but guests should also be sure to check the exciting rotating calendar of events featured on-site.
There are two enormous halls of dioramas depicting animals from around the world which visitors will most likely recognize from the many movies they’ve been featured in (even museum artifacts are film stars in Los Angeles!). Be sure not to miss the bird rooms upstairs, or the insect zoo downstairs. Learn about minerals and gemstones in one room and the history of the film studios in Los Angeles in another.
Scientists and staff members are dedicated to hands-on teaching of visitors through pop-up labs, which offer a more in-depth opportunity to learn. The museum also routinely hosts “citizen science” projects, asking members of the community to help gather data for them through related ongoing research.
Each Spring, the Butterfly Pavilion opens in the museum’s nature gardens, transforming the space into a magical oasis of color within an enclosed space where these delicate creatures delight visitors of all ages. In the Fall, the same pavilion is transformed into a home for spiders which weave their own spooky web of magic just in time for Halloween.
Dinosuar Encounters - Have a dinosaur encounter with our engaging and fun live performance featuring NHM's life-size dinosaur puppets. Our large-scale, realistic T. rex and Triceratops puppets capture the imaginations of audiences in performances each week. Each show explores a different theme. Thanks to the expertise of NHM's paleontologists and puppeteers, you can experience how these prehistoric animals lived.
If purchasing the Dinosuar Encounter Add-On, please make sure you are aware of its limited hours
Family Membership: Membership Package: For two named adults and up to four named children (ages 3 to 17), plus one unnamed guest. Create memories with your family as you experience everything the museum has to offer! Membership includes:
- Unlimited free general admission to the Natural History Museum, La Brea Tar Pits, and the William S. Hart Museum
- Free timed tickets to Butterfly Pavilion and Spider Pavilion (reservations required)
- Free tickets to all museum experiences, including our 3D Theater and special exhibitions
- 10% discount at the museum cafe and gift stores
- Discounts on education programs like evening lectures and Adventures in Nature camp
- Includes educational resources, interactive project ideas and engaging activities.
Educator Package: Includes educational resources, interactive project ideas, trip organization, direct experiential opportunities to help better connect the experience with your students and complimentary chaperone ticket. Does not include student ticket.
Student Package: Includes engaging pre and post educational visit activities, trip organization and student ticket.
Natural History Museum
Please use the information on this page (package type, venue name, price, etc.) to submit an order request with your school. Once your order is approved, your school will forward the request to us. We will then reach out to you with instructions on how to finalize your trip details and access accompanying resources. Once finalized, you will receive your e-tickets and any additional materials directly to your inbox within 1-3 business days. If you don't see our email(s), please check your spam folder prior to contacting us.
To ensure a smooth process, it is generally recommended to submit your order with your school AT LEAST 10 business days prior to your trip date, unless you are booking a venue that requires more advanced planning. *Please be mindful of your school's processing times and plan accordingly.