Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Dr. Jane Goodall

In 1995, after a hard day of following Gombe chimpanzees over difficult terrain in Gombe National Park, Tanzania. Photo by Michael Nichols, National Geographic

About the Exhibition

Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace, braved the unknown to give the world a remarkable window into humankind’s closest living relatives: chimpanzees. (Watch the exhibit trailer below.)

In this hands-on, transportive multimedia exhibition celebrating her extraordinary life and work, visitors will explore Dr. Goodall’s early years through iconic images and a multiscreen experience and venture on an immersive projection of Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park where she did her famous behavioral research on chimps.

Visitors will also see a life-size hologram of Dr. Goodall, enter a replica of her research tent, and learn about her current role as a leader in community-centered conservation and youth empowerment. Finally, visitors will find out what they can do today to make a positive impact in the world.

A portrait of the chimpanzee, Fifi, member of Jane Goodall’s first studied group of chimpanzees in Gombe National Park, Tanzania. Photo by Michael Nichols, National Geographic

The exhibition is now open to the public. This special exhibition is included with museum admission, which is free for Museum Members and University of Utah faculty, staff, and students. 

Exhibition Highlights

• Multimedia video introduction to Dr. Jane Goodall and her work, as told through her own voice. 
• Immersive projection of Tanzania's Gombe Stream National Park where Dr. Goodall conducted her famous behavioral research on chimpanzees.
• Life-sized hologram of Dr. Goodall. 
• Opportunities to learn about the famous chimpanzees of Gombe Stream and their fascinating behaviors.
• Iconic images and multimedia that explore Dr. Goodall's early years. 
• A replica of Dr. Goodall's research tent, along with artifacts, objects, and handwritten letters from throughout her life. 
• Explanations of the threats faced by wild chimpanzees. 
• Pledge stations to inspire exhibit guests to make a positive impact in the world. 

This exhibition is organized and traveled by the National Geographic Society in partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute.