Behind the Scenes

A scientist looks at a tree cookie.

Photo by Mark Johnston | NHMU

About Behind the Scenes

NHMU's collections are home to nearly 2 million objects held in stewardship for the people of Utah. From massive fossils to tiny fungi, delicate pottery to thousands of preserved insects, the Museum's collections are a vast and growing record of natural history in Utah and beyond. 

With consideration for preservation and research, much of the collections are off limits to Museum guests. However, come one special weekend in November, the collections doors open for guests to explore this immense cabinet of curiosities during Behind the Scenes.

It's a rare chance to see first-hand what wonders the Museum holds, and also learn from scientists about what these collections can tell us of Utah's past, present, and future.

Each of the 2 million objects is a record of a moment in time. This is why our theme in 2023 is Stories of Change. Click the event links below to learn more about what you'll discover each day at this year's Behind the Scenes. 

  • A scientist looks into drawers of invertebrate specimens including many butterflies.

    ©Mark Johnston | NHMU

  • A paleontologist stands next to large fossils in NHMU's collections.

    ©Mark Johnston/NHMU

  • A scientist holds a carved kachina in the NHMU collections.

    ©Mark Johnston | NHMU

  • Scientists stand amongst open drawers of a vertebrates collection.

    ©Mark Johnston | NHMU

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