Exhibits
Temporary Exhibits
From live animals to nature-inspired art, from toddler-friendly play spaces to dozens of exotic butterfly species, our exhibits are sure to entertain, educate, and excite guests of all ages. All exhibits are included with admission to the Nature Museum.
By A Thread: Nature's Resilience
Get ready to take action. Immerse yourself in the work of museum scientists and learn how you can contribute and stand up for science and the plant and animal species all around us.
The work of Scottish botanical artist Rory McEwen reflects a sustained intensity of focus on the artistic pursuits that defined his life.
The Language of Water: Art, Ecology, and Engineering
Lindsay Olson is currently the first artist in residence with The Wetlands Initiative.
This multi-dimensional installation by Allison Svoboda highlights the patterns in nature in exciting new ways.
Permanent Exhibits
Discover our year-round indoor and outdoor exhibits.
The Judy Istock Butterfly Haven is the Museum’s internationally renowned signature 2,700-square-foot greenhouse. Home to more than 1,000 free-flying butterflies, it's the perfect tropical retreat.
Hawver and Lacy Families Nature’s PlaySpace
The Hawver and Lacy Families Nature’s PlaySpace is an interactive experience connecting our youngest guests to nature in new ways.
From cardinals to turkeys to Canada geese, discover 102 beautiful regional bird species in Birds of Chicago.
Measuring 1/3 of a mile, the Deb Lahey Nature Trails highlight native Illinois habitats through restored vignettes, gardens, and more all year long.
The Micole Birdwalk overlooks the Deb Lahey Nature Trails, North Pond, and the Nature Museum Ravine while providing an uninterrupted view of downtown Chicago’s famous skyline.
Witness the day-to-day work of the biologists and volunteers who care for the Nature Museum’s animals. Whether it’s feeding or turtle walk time, there’s always something happening in the Look-In Lab.
Discover why wetlands, which are home to nearly two-thirds of the endangered species in Illinois, are so important to our everyday lives in Mysteries of the Marsh.
Beecher Collections Laboratory
Get a glimpse behind the scenes with scientists, volunteers, and more in the Beecher Lab.
Take a stroll through Chicago…before it became the city we know today.
Step through a “door into nature” to immerse yourself in a variety of natural environments that ignite curiosity and unlock creativity.
The Sustainability Center makes sustainability efforts approachable for Illinois residents and visitors of all ages through interactives and resources that encourage local action.
Splash your way through RiverWorks and discover the beauty and complexities of natural and manmade flows through this interactive experience.
Woody Wickham Butterfly Garden
Featuring clusters of colorful flowers, the Woody Wickham Butterfly Garden is a popular stop for butterflies and other pollinators.
Online Exhibits
Get a closer look at unique specimens and archival documents through these online-exclusive exhibits.
The People and Places in Collections
Regional natural history collections focus on a geographic area. These collections also often provide details about the people historically involved in studying the environment.
For decades, a treasure trove of beautifully wrapped, preserved plant specimens sat waiting to be processed.
Natural history collections, like the collections of the Chicago Academy of Sciences, can help us gain a greater understanding of biodiversity over long periods of time.
Exhibits for Rent
Check out our traveling exhibits and inquire about renting them for your museum or science center.
Our award-winning exhibits entertain and educate visitors of all ages on topics ranging from urban ecology to extinction to climate change.
Experience nature and science up close with a trip to the Nature Museum.