Exhibitions

Art of Science

July 26, 2023 through May 27, 2024

Data is beautiful and science has style—see the beauty that can emerge from scientific research. In collaboration with the UC San Diego Library, see the winners of the Art of Science competition, showcasing the work of UC San Diego students and researchers.

Action from the Archives: The Nat at 150

Opening May 24, 2024

Our anniversary exhibition features regional conservation success stories—both historic and contemporary—as told through photographs and objects from our archives.  

Allosaurus

Always on view

Meet Al, a member of our skeleton crew. Allosaurus fragilis, a genus of large theropod dinosaur that lived in North America during the late Jurassic Period, is a relative of T. rex, which lived later. Al’s bones are casts made from original fossil bones collected in Utah.

Megalodon

Always on view

This replica of an extinct megalodon shark was modeled from and inspired by teeth collected from Miocene sandstones in Oceanside, California and near Ensenada, Baja California by Museum paleontology staff. It hangs in the Atrium as part of Fossil Mysteries and is one of best selfie spots in the Museum. More .

Foucault Pendulum

Always on view

When visitors enter the Museum off the Prado walkway, they are greeted by the mesmerizing sight of the iconic Foucault Pendulum, which provides visual proof of the Earth's rotation. More .

Moreton Bay Fig Tree

Always on view

While not officially affiliated with The Nat, many people associate this remarkable Moreton Bay Fig Tree with the Museum. Planted in preparation for the 1915 exposition, this tree is a beloved San Diego icon and one of the largest Moreton Bay Fig trees in the state.With an observation deck, upon which you can rest under the immense shaded canopy of the tree. More .