Exhibits
Step back through time as you journey through the geologic time scale, from the ancient seas of the Paleozoic Era, through the age of dinosaurs in the Mesozoic Era, and into the rise of mammals in the Cenozoic Era. Our exhibits bring prehistoric life, fossils, and Earth’s history to life through immersive and engaging displays for all ages.
Paleozoic Era
"Ancient Life"
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Cambrian
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Ordovician
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Silurian
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Devonian
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Carboniferous
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Permian
(541–252 million years ago) was a time of incredible change when life rapidly expanded in Earth’s oceans and eventually moved onto land. It saw the rise of fish, insects, amphibians, and the first reptiles, ending with the largest mass extinction in Earth’s history.
Mesozoic Era
"Middle Life" — Age of Dinosaurs
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Triassic
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Jurassic
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Cretaceous
(252–66 million years ago), often called the “Age of Dinosaurs,” was a time when dinosaurs dominated the Earth. During this era, the first birds and mammals appeared, flowering plants evolved, and it ended with the mass extinction that wiped out the dinosaurs.
Cenozoic Era
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"Recent Life" — Age of Mammals
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Paleogene
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Neogene
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Quaternary
The Cenozoic Era (66 million years ago–present), known as the “Age of Mammals,” began after the extinction of the dinosaurs. Mammals, birds, and flowering plants flourished, and eventually humans evolved, shaping the modern world we know today.
Special Feature
Our "Special Feature" exhibit space highlights unique and ever-changing displays; from personal fossil collections and new donations to exhibits connected to current discoveries, events, and topics in paleontology and natural history. Each visit offers something new to explore and discover.