Museum of Natural History
Explore our world at the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History- Iowa's gateway to the global environment for over 150 years. Walk through 500 million years of our natural and cultural heritage, culminating in the landscape we see today and how it affects the story of agriculture. Discover the adaptation and diversity of birds and mammals around the planet.
Our Mission
The mission of the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History is to inspire in visitors of all ages understanding and a sense of wonder, discovery, respect and responsibility for our natural and cultural worlds through exhibits, programs and collections, as well as through links with UI research and activities.
The Museum of Natural History will be offering a series of full day summer camps in June. Registration will begin April 5th. Please check back then for more information and registration form.
Educational Programs
Museum educational programs include workshops, lectures, movies, and field trips
on natural and environmental topics throughout the year.
To add your name to our email list, please contact the Education Department.
Guided tours are available Tuesday through Sunday with a prior reservation. Tours focus on the exhibits in Iowa Hall, and tours of the Bird and Mammal Galleries are mostly self-guided by the groups. All tours are free. The Museum requests that you call to schedule your tour at least a week before the desired date. March, April, and May tour spots fill up very early!
The Beginning
The Museum of Natural History, the second oldest museum in the United States west of the Mississippi River, was established in 1858 when the Iowa General Assembly directed the University to house specimens from the State Natural History and Geological Surveys in a cabinet of natural history to be located in the Old Capitol building. The directive was in response to a faculty petition requesting funding for specimens and space to support teaching in the natural sciences. The appeal compared Iowa's paucity in such resources to the abundant collections managed by several leading eastern universities in the U.S. as well as the British Museum
The building referenced in the legislative charge was the Old Capitol, the University's only building in 1858.
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