Looking for something on this site?

This website is undergoing some changes this week. If you need information about the following, please contact us at the numbers and emails below:

Schools: 785.864.4173 or macgilvrc@ku.edu
Events: 785.864.4450 and biodiversity@ku.edu
Academic tours: Fill in our tour request form or call 785.864.2380
Collections searches: 785.864.2343 or lschlenk@ku.edu
Scout programs and birthdays: 785.864.2380 or biodiversity@ku.edu
Giving and membership: 785.864.4540 or biodiversity@ku.edu
Parking and admission: 785.864.4450 and nhmvs@ku.edu
Administration and research: 785.864.4540 or biodiversity@ku.edu

museum grotesques

The Grotesques Renew Project

Combining the old arts of stonecraft and sketching with modern 3D imaging, the KU Natural History Museum is launching an effort to replace its iconic grotesques.  

The mythical beasts that adorned Dyche Hall were removed in fall 2017, crated and placed on view in museum. 

We are raising $150,000 to recreate the sculptures and place them back on their pedestals on Dyche Hall. To date, $20,000 has been raised for the project. To support creation of the new grotesques, please consider giving to the Grotesques Renew fund at KU Endowment.

 

Fifth Floor Closed

The fifth floor gallery that includes Explore Evolution is closed for fall 2018 while we make improvements to make the area more accessible. 

Upcoming events

Please search calendar.ku.edu for information about our upcoming programs:

A Web of Success
A Science on Tap event with Matthew R. Downen
Wednesday, September 26 at 7:30 pm
Free State Brewing Co., 636 Massachusetts St.

No Guts, No Glory: Of sharks and stingrays and their parasites
A Kansas City Science on Tap event with Professor Kirsten Jensen
Tuesday, September 25 at 7:30 pm
Bier Station

Sunday, September 30
1-4 pm Marvin Grove, directly behind Spencer Museum, 1301 Mississippi St.
Enjoy music, art and nature activities, games, refreshments, prizes, and surprises. The KU Natural History Museum will be back with their art and science activity called Gyotaku, which is the traditional Japanese art form of fish printing.

Fun things to do at the museum

Explore the museum

We offer more than a dozen scavanger hunts, museum checklists and even limericks to help you explore the museum. Download one before you arrive, or pick one up near the museum lobby. 

School workshops

Book a school program

The KU Natural History Museum offers a variety of science education programs for school groups. Explore our available programs taught by museum education professionials and book yours for fall and spring by calling 785.864.4173. Scholarships available.



Get your museum passport

Museum members provide critical support for our exhibits, education and programs. They also have access to free admission to more than 300 museums and science centers worldwide. Join today to start using your own museum passport.