Discover the Wonders of the Natural History Museum and Lunch with New Friends

### Our Plan

Step into a world of discovery at the Natural History Museum, where transformation meets inspiration!

Our Grand Opening Weekend runs from Friday, December 13, through Sunday, December 15, unveiling brand-new galleries and reimagined exhibits for the first time.

🏛️ The New Museum Experience

The museum now features over 375,000 square feet of expanded galleries and more than two acres of outdoor visitor areas. Imagine enough space to fit over 900 T. Rex dinosaurs! The newly transformed spaces are designed to spark wonder and curiosity about the natural world.

🌟 Highlights:

• Visitor Hall: A stunning showcase of iconic specimens like Haplocanthosaurus (Happy), Balto, Dunkleosteus (Dunk), Lucy, and the Moon rock. This community space is free to access.
• Smead Discovery Center: A hands-on learning zone for young explorers.
• 3D Movies: Watch captivating films in the state-of-the-art Murch Auditorium.
• Environmental Courtyard: A serene outdoor space to connect with nature.
• Wildlife Center: Meet live animal ambassadors up close in the Ralph Perkins II Wildlife Center & Woods Garden.

We’ll meet at the main entrance at 11:30 AM for introductions before heading out to explore the new and current exhibits. At 12:30 PM, we’ll gather for lunch at the museum café (or feel free to bring your own meal).

This is a perfect time to share our favorite moments and connect with other attendees.

🎟️ Advance Ticket Reservations

• Admission: $25 per person. Advance ticket purchases are highly recommended for a smooth arrival. Visitor Hall is Free.
• SNAP Program: Participants with a SNAP EBT card receive $1 admission for up to four guests.

Reserve your tickets online or by calling 216.231.4600.

RSVP: Please confirm your attendance to ensure we can plan accordingly.

Parking
The Museum's parking garage is located on Wade Oval Drive near the corner of East Boulevard. You can enter the Museum through the attached parking garage entrance on the main level. Alternatively, you can explore the gardens along Wade Oval and arrive through the Wade Oval entrance.
Garage hours of operation
The garage is open 8am to 5pm daily. Hours may vary during special events.
Parking Rates

• General parking is $10 for the first two hours, +$1 for each additional half hour, up to the daily maximum of $18. Special-event rates vary.
• Museum members receive a $6 flat-rate for parking during normal Museum hours. (Parking rates may change during special events.)
• Parking is provided on a first-come, first-served basis and is intended for use by Museum visitors. Commuter parking is not permitted.

Food and beverage

Located near the Wade Oval entrance, Origins Café is the Museum's on-site café featuring indoor and outdoor seating. Levy, a critically acclaimed hospitality company, crafts food and beverage options for the café in addition to catering for special occasions. A collaboration with Levy aligns closely with the mission, vision, and values of the Museum through their efforts to reduce, reuse, and recycle; partner with local growers for produce and meats; use eco-friendly serving ware; support local food-pantry partners; offer vegetarian-friendly menus; and provide fresh, healthy options for every dining experience.

Museum store

Museum Store is your stop for out-of-this-world souvenirs and memorable gifts for fans of science and nature! Shopping supports the Museum's efforts to explore, engage, and empower for a better tomorrow. The Museum Store is open during regular hours, Tuesday, through Sunday, 10am–5pm, and is located in the Visitor Hall.