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Special Exhibitions

Vikings
May 27, 2017 to January 1, 2018

The special exhibition, Vikings, is coming soon to NHMU. It will offer guests a contemporary look at the mysterious seafarers, farmers, traders, and plunderers who explored and harassed Europe more than 1,000 years ago.

Permanent Exhibitions

Sky
Weather, climate, astronomy, and the sun are interpreted in this gallery with its adjacent rooftop terrace.
Native Voices
The traditions of Utah’s eight federally recognized tribes—are featured in this circular gallery nestled in the hillside at the top of the building.
Life
The web of life is illustrated in a series of exhibits exploring complexity from DNA to Ecosystems, with a focus on Utah’s extraordinary biological diversity.
Land
A journey through three distinct physiographic regions formed over millions of years, the Land showcases Utah’s Middle Rocky Mountains, Basin and Range, and Colorado Plateau.
First Peoples
The story of Great Basin’s prehistoric peoples is told while putting visitors in the shoes of archaeologists who use science to interpret the past. Located in the R. Harold Burton Foundation Gallery.
Gems and Minerals
Rough mineral forms are juxtaposed with elegant cut gemstones, all in brilliant colors. Located in the O.C. Tanner Hall.
Great Salt Lake
The compelling narrative of the Great Salt Lake, a remnant of ancient Lake Bonneville is brought to life through hands-on interactives, sounds, smells, and a spectacular view of the Lake itself. Located in the Willard L. Eccles Foundation Gallery.
Past Worlds
A sequence of snapshots in time spanning hundreds of millions of years depicts a range of Utah’s ancient environments and their changing life forms. Located in the George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation Gallery.
Our Backyard
An intimate, discovery-based environment invites our youngest visitors to experience natural history first hand.
Utah Futures
This thought-provoking environment—the Museum’s crystal ball—is a place to explore pressing contemporary issues with local and global implications for the future. Located in the Barbara L. and Norman C. Tanner Gallery.

Upcoming Special Exhibitions

Nature's Ultimate Machines
February 10, 2018 to September 3, 2018
Investigate the marvels of natural engineering.
Maya
November 10, 2018 to May 27, 2019
Maya explores one of the ancient world's most complex and advanced civilizations, well known for monumental architecture, elaborate cities, and distinctive art styles.

Special Exhibition Archive

The Power of Poison
October 15, 2016 to April 16, 2017

The Power of Poison explores poison's paradoxical roles in nature, human health, history, literature and myth. Whether as a defense against predators, a source of magnificent strength, or a lethal weapon used as a lifesaving medical...

Genome: Unlocking Life's Code
May 21, 2016 to September 5, 2016
Do you have you mother's dimples? Or your father's hairline? What is it about us that makes us us? Genome: Unlocking Life's Code begins to unravel the mystery behind the complete set of instructions needed for every living thing on Earth to grow and...
Geckos Live!
January 30, 2016 to May 1, 2016
Bulging eyes, sticky toepads, incredible night vision and disposable body parts—welcome to a gecko’s world! Geckos are incredibly adaptable and have conquered habitats from balmy tropical beaches and lush rainforests to frigid mountain slopes...
Birds of Paradise: Amazing Avian Evolution
September 19, 2015 to January 3, 2016
Meet 39 divas of the avian world! Found only in Papau New Guinea and parts of Australia, birds of paradise are a case study in the power of evolution. Their fantastic plumes, bizarre courtship displays, and wild calls are a result of millions...
Pigeons
September 19, 2015 to May 1, 2016
Meet the surprising birds that sparked groundbreaking discoveries. Domesticated pigeons are spectacularly diverse. Pigeon breeders have created over 350 breeds with dozens of extravagant features like fancy crests, feathered feet, fantails,...