Visit the Museum
The KU Natural History Museum, in historic Dyche Hall, features the famous Panorama, a living Paleo Garden, Kansas wildlife exhibits, interactive displays, and of course, fossils!
Plan Your Visit
Directions & Parking
Group Visits
Discovery Guides
Gift Shop
The public museum offers four floors of exhibits highlighting the past and present biological diversity of the planet, education programs for school groups, and dozens of public programs and events each year. Questions about visiting the museum? Call us at 785-864-4450.
If you are a researcher interested in visiting the Biodiversity Institute Research divisions, please contact individual Research Divisions directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Admission to the museums is a suggested contribution of $7 per adult and $4 per child, which helps to support the museum. KU students and members are free. Everyone is welcome.
Parking for museum visitors is available in the Mississippi Street parking garage at 1218 Mississippi St. An hourly charge applies. Please visit our Parking Information page for details. Lawrence buses are free and several stop at the KU Memorial Union, right next door to the museum.
On weekends and after 5pm Monday-Friday, many lots have free parking, however please follow signage information posted at lots. More information can be found at parking.ku.edu.
The museum galleries are accessible.
If you have a question not addressed below, please feel free to call us at 785-864-4450.
Parking:
Information on accessible parking can be found on our Directions and Parking page.
Entrance:
An accessible entrance to the museum is to the north of the historic entrance. If using the accessible entrance, please take the elevator to the 4th (main) floor and check in at the Visitor Services Desk before exploring our galleries.
Service Animals:
Emotional support animals are not allowed in KU buildings. KU policy permits service dogs assisting an individual with a disability. More information can be found in the KU Policy on animals in buildings.
Wheelchair availability:
A wheelchair is available. If you'd like to reserve it for your visit, please contact Visitor Services.
We want to ensure all visitors have an enjoyable and safe visit. Please note the following:
Adults must remain with children at all times. Museum staff cannot supervise children.
Be kind and respectful to museum staff, other museum visitors, the exhibits, and museum building. Any abuse to the exhibits, building, staff, or other visitors will not be tolerated and may result in your group being asked to leave the museum and to pay for damages.
For group visitors, please be sure everyone in your group understands the behavior you expect and the schedule for your visit.
Questions? Call Visitor Services at 785-864-4450.
No. Consumption of food and drink in the museum is prohibited. There are a variety of lunch options on campus. Visit KU Dining for more information.
For Groups:
If you have sack lunches that cannot be left on your group's bus, see Museum Visitor Services when you arrive for information on a designated area where lunches may be stored. It's helpful if lunches can be consolidated into boxes or other containers for storing. If your group plans to eat lunch at the Kansas Memorial Union, next to the museum, contact KU Dining at 785-864-4651 or email eventservices@ku.edu.
Yes, memberships start at $60 for a household — as little as $5 per month. KU student memberships are only $15. You'll receive free household admission to the KU Natural History Museum, access to special members-only events and free or reduced admission to more than 300 museums and science centers across the country! Your membership also supports the museum and our work to educate, engage and inspire all ages about the past and present biological diversity of the planet. Learn more about our memberships.