Last updated: 11/2/2013
Salt Lake City, Utah
Address
301 Wakara Way
Salt Lake City, UT 84108
phone: 801-581-6927
e-mail: info.nhmu@gmail.com
web: nhmu.utah.edu/

Hours

Sunday - Tuesday, Thursday - Saturday
10 AM - 5 PM
Wednesday
10 AM - 9 PM
Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.

Admissions

Adults: $11
Youth (13 - 24): $9
Seniors (65 and over): $9
Members: free
Children (3 - 12): $8
Children 2 and under : Free
University of Utah Students, Faculty and Staff with Valid ID: Free

Staff

Sarah B. George, Ph.D.
phone:
Stephanie Smith
phone:
Description

The Natural History Museum of Utah is pleased to be open in our new home, the Rio Tinto Center, to serve as the state's new natural history museum building. Located in the foothills above Salt Lake City, the building is an accomplishment of the community and will serve to further the Museum's mission; to illuminate the natural world and humans place within it.

With the opening of the Rio Tinto Center, Utah has the natural history museum that a state rich in natural history and assets deserves. A visit to the Museum allows visitors to explore nature and science in ten themed galleries, and to also step outdoors to experience nature as it's revealed just outside the building. The exhibits and the Trailhead to Utah encourage visitors to explore nature and science at other museums, national and state parks, and destinations around the state. And the Museum is passionate about studying science and engaging visitors in current research with a vision toward the future of life in our dynamic and growing region.

Visitors enter the Level 1 Foyer to purchase admission and register for events. From there, they climb the main staircase, or take an elevator, to emerge in the main lobby area, which we call the Canyon. Three-stories high and featuring a Collections Wall displaying over 500 objects from the Museum's collection, the Canyon is our central public and gathering space

From the Canyon, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the Salt Lake Valley, begin to explore the Museum's Trailhead to Utah system, enter the exhibit galleries, or enjoy the Museum Store and Cafe.

Beyond the public areas of the Rio Tinto Center, the building provides advanced research and collection facilities for Museum scientists who oversee the care and curation of 1.2 million objects in the Museum's collection. The collections and research areas are the core of the institution and feature sophisticated climate control and other means of protecting the collection, and a venue for undergraduate and graduate training at the University of Utah.

Educational Programs
Celebrate Your Child's Birthday at the Museum: Science-themed birthday parties for kids turning 4 - 10 years old held in our private Party Room allow party guests to enjoy the galleries and exhibits.
Spend an unforgettable night at the Museum! Participate in science activities for the entire family as you explore the Museum after hours.
Architecture Tours ; Explore the Rio Tinto Center's unique design, materials, green features and public art on a guided architecture tour. Scheduled 45-minute tours are available Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 1:30 p.m and Friday at 11:00 a.m. All tours meet in the Canyon. Brief, customized tours available outside of our scheduled tours. Look for an Architecture Guide in the Canyon.
Family Workshops: Learn Together as a Family! Come nurture your passion for the natural world and share it with a child. At NHMU Family Workshops, adults and children discover, collaborate, and create together. You’ll learn from natural history experts as you build new skills and explore Museum resources.
and much more on our website ...
Services
The Store

The Museum Store has been designed to be ever changing and evolving. Every time you visit you will discover handmade items such as a Shoshone breastplate and one-of-a-kind art pieces; jewelry from traditional Navajo designs to works from regional artisans; books, notecards, and clothing to remind you of your day at the Museum; and hundreds of dinosaurs and toys to delight young visitors. Offering items for every price-range, the Museum Store offers an assortment of exclusive and unique merchandise for a museum that is like no other.

The Cafe

The Museum Cafe features specialty coffees, smoothies, breakfast pastries, lunch fare including salads and sandwiches, and beverages and other refreshments. Don't miss everyone's favorite iced Dinosaur Cookies -- the perfect end to a visit the Museum!

Plan an Event

We are pleased to offer select spaces within the Museum's new home, the Rio Tinto Center, for private rentals. From the architectural details, the extensive collections, and the spectacular views, the Museum is a unique environment in which to celebrate special occasions and hold memorable events for corporate, professional or community organizations.

Gift Shop
Special Event Rental
Restaurant
Group Tours
ADA
Wheelchair Accessible
Parking
Restrooms
Exhibitions
Museum Events
DISCLAIMER
This information, including business hours, addresses and contact information is provided for general reference purposes only. No representation is made or warranty is given as to its content or the reliability thereof. User assumes all risk of use. Stories USA, Inc. and its content suppliers assume no responsibility for any loss or delay resulting from such use. Please call ahead to verify the dates, the location and directions.

MUSEUM CONFERENCES

Public Lands Alliance 2025 Convention and Trade Show

February 2 - 6, 2025

Las Vegas, Nevada

Georgia Association of Museums 2025 Conference

February 5 - 7, 2025

Milledgeville, Georgia

Small Museum Association 41st Annual Conference 2025

February 17 - 19, 2025

Gaithersburg, Maryland

2025 California Association of Museums Conference

February 18 - 22, 2025

San Fransico, California

2025 Tennessee Association of Museums Conference: HOPE

March 11 - 14, 2025

Knoxville, Tennessee

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