The exhibits of the Kimball Natural History Museum address two of the most significant and closely-intertwined scientific issues of our time: The evolution of life on Earth and the maintenance of life on Earth. The exhibits draw heavily from the Academy's 150-plus years of research, its 20 million specimens, and the expertise of its many world-class scientists and affiliates.
African Hall
 | This hall of majestic dioramas first opened in 1934, giving visitors an in-depth look into Africa's diverse ecosystems. It has been faithfully recreated in the new building, but with some surprises. Sixteen dioramas showcase a variety of mounted animals, including lions, zebras and baboons. Five brand new dioramas contain live animals from the aquarium, including a pancake tortoise, a white-throated monitor, and an entire colony of African penguins. |
Islands of Evolution
 | This exhibit explores the remote islands of Madagascar and the Galapagos through the eyes of Academy scientists. Examine specimens collected during past expeditions, such as Galapagos tortoise shells and Darwin's famous finches; use Wii gaming wands to collect virtual insects; and learn how islands function as living laboratories for evolution. |
Altered State: Climate Change in California
 | The Altered State exhibit explores the dangerous effects of climate change on California's natural habitats and on the planet at large. Measure the impact of everyday decisions on a carbon scale, help polar bears move from one ice floe to another in an interactive projection room, and share ideas for treading more lightly on the planet. This exhibit is supported by Pacific Gas and Electric Company Lead Sponsor |
Science in Action: Beyond the Headlines
 | This interactive exhibit allows visitors to go beyond the headlines and gain in-depth information about recent scientific discoveries around the world. Live talks by Academy scientists, multimedia displays, computer stations, and podcasts provide a reliable source of timely and relevant news about the natural world. |
Foucault Pendulum
 | A returning favorite from the original Academy, the Foucault pendulum provides simple and elegant proof of the Earth's rotation. Suspended from the ceiling next to Morrison Planetarium, it consists of a 235-pound brass ball attached to a 30-foot-long steel aircraft cable. The plane of the pendulum's swing appears to rotate 220 degrees every day. Since no rotational forces act on the pendulum, it must be the Earth beneath that is actually rotating. |
Other Highlights
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Location |
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Natural history exhibits and venues can be found in various places throughout the Academy.
The Naturalist Center |
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Have a question about the natural world? The reference librarians and educators at the Naturalist Center can help. Visitors can bring in items for identification, research green technologies, and sign up for seminars. Learn more »
Early Explorers Cove |
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This early childhood education center caters to infants, preschoolers, and their caregivers. Tots can explore a 15-foot replica of an Academy schooner, climb into a tree-house, tend an organic garden, and more!
