The Academy of Natural Sciences
Visiting Exhibitions
Bugs... Outside the Box
October 22, 2011 January 16, 2012
This world-premiere exhibit features an array of enormous and scientifically accurate insect sculptures by noted Italian artist Lorenzo Possenti. Paired with live bugs and colorful specimens from the Academys world-renowned invertebrate collection, Bugs Outside the Box provides a surprising and rarely seen look at these amazing creatures.
Beguiled by the Wild: The Art of Charley Harper
December 10, 2011–February 26, 2012
Known for his highly stylized wildlife prints, posters, and book illustrations, American artist Charley Harper developed a strong love of nature as a child growing up in West Virginia. This fascination is clear in his exhibit, Beguiled by the Wild: The Art of Charley Harper.
Permanent Exhibitions
Butterflies!
Live butterflies from Central and South America, East Africa, and Southeast Asia inhabit our tropical garden.
Dinosaur Hall
More than 30 dinosaurs and other Mesozoic reptiles are represented in Dinosaur Hall. In addition, budding dinosaur hunters can search for fossils in The Big Dig or meet with fossil preparators in the Fossil Prep Lab.
Dioramas
More than 35 dioramas present wildlife from Africa, Asia, and North America.
Live Animal Center
More than 100 live animals are used for educational programs, museum presentations, and special events. See where they live when they're not working.
Outside In
Our indoor Nature Museum for Children features hands-on activities and close encounters with live animals.












