Hours & Admission

NOTE: The KU Biodiversity Institute & Natural History Museum is temporarily closed, in coordination with KU's COVID-19 response. All in-person events are canceled, including school and scout programs. However, we are offering online programs, explorations, and activities: check out our Museum From Home page. You can also learn more about the closure and other temporary changes at the museum. For the most up to date information regarding KU, please visit coronavirus.ku.edu. We appreciate your understanding. 

students visiting museum

The KU Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum features live-animal exhibits, the famous Panorama and displays of fossils and Kansas wildlife. It also includes 120 researchers, staff and graduate students, and collections of more than 10 million plants, animals and fossils, and 1.2 million archaeological artifacts.

The museum offers four floors of exhibits, education programs for school groups, and dozens of public programs and events each year. It is open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm, and Sundays 12 to 4 pm. The suggested contribution is $7 per adult and $4 per child.

Exhibits

At the KU Natural History Museum, four floors of exhibits help you explore the life of the planet. Toothy mosasaurs will open your imagination to the Cretaceous seas of 85 million years ago. Throughout the museum you will discover the animals and plants of North America, exhibits focused on microbes, mammal skulls, T. rex, color across our collections, and archaeology.

Vist the KU Natural History Museum

Group Visits

Every year, the museum welcomes thousands of schoolchildren and other groups to the museum for programs, classes and tours. Learn more about planning a successful group visit to the museum.

Fun things to do at the museum discovery guides graphic

Museum discovery guides provide ways for school groups, families, home school groups, university groups, adults and others to explore the museum together.

Student Night at the KU Natural History Museum

KU Students

Students enjoy free admission to the museum, special events and can get involved through the museum’s Student Advisory Board.

Fossilogics Gift Shop photo

Museum Gift Shop

The museum gift shop has hundreds of gifts for creative children and curious adults, from books and stuffed animals, to toys, science projects and outdoor activity kits. Visit the museum gift shop any time the Natural History Museum is open.