Close up of the jaw of the 45-foot-long mosasaur sea reptile in the lobby of the KU Natural History Museum

Visit the Natural History 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!

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. We also have fun Discovery Guides and group experiences like the Natural History Mystery game.

Public groups and university and college groups may request a Behind-the-Scenes-Tour of our research collections. We also offer bus funds for eligible K-12 school groups. 

If you are a researcher interested in visiting the Biodiversity Institute Research divisions, please contact individual Research Divisions directly.
 
The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday, 9am-5pm, Sunday, 12pm-4pm. We are closed every Monday.

Questions about visiting the museum? Call us at 785-864-4450.

mammal skull exhibit with different sized skulls of different animals
The Mammal Skulls exhibit on the 6th floor.

FAQ

We do not charge admission to the museum, though we have a suggested donation of $7 for adults and $4 for children, which helps to support the museum. 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. Disrespect to museum staff or other visitors will not be tolerated and may result in being asked to leave the museum. 

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.

Hours

  • Tuesday-Saturday, 9am-5pm

  • Sunday, 12-4pm

  • Closed every Monday

Admission

  • Suggested donation of $7 for adults and $4 for children. Members and KU students are free. Your contribution supports the museum and its programs.

Visit the Museum

Plan Your Visit

Dyche Hall

Directions & Parking

Student holding museum guide

Discovery Guides