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Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County @nhm.org · 9h

Catch a glimpse of spiders big and 𝘴𝘮𝘰𝘭 at our annual #SpiderPavilion, on view now through December 6!

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County @nhm.org · 12/10/2026

There’s a chance orcas are far more emotional than we are. Amanda Killian, Assistant Collection Manager, shares the emotional depth of these beautiful marine mammals. Dive deeper with our new exhibition “Orcas: Our Shared Future”, now on view at NHM.

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Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County @nhm.org · 11/10/2026

With Earth Science Week and its theme, “Critical Minerals for a Thriving Society”, in mind, revisit a few Earth-shattering ideas—how to cure disease, protect the environment, and find extraterrestrial life—all from Dr. Aaron Celestian, Curator of Mineral Sciences. go.nhm.org/celestian-sa...

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Aaron Celestian Saves the Planet

No big deal, but our Curator of Mineral Sciences has a few Earth-shattering ideas—how to cure disease, protect the environment, and find extraterrestrial life.

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Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County @nhm.org · 10/10/2026

"Each section will feature pieces from different collections of the museum. I worked with the scientists in the Ichthyology, Mineralogy, Mammalogy, Ornithology, Entomology and Botany departments to photograph some of their favorite specimens for the show." go.nhm.org/maggie-west

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NightTales

Step into the extraordinary this holiday season with a premium indoor-outdoor after-dark experience, featuring artwork by Maggie West. Enjoy glowing installations, cinematic projections, and…

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Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County @nhm.org · 10/10/2026

Curious to see more behind-the-scenes footage from Maggie West's shoots for #NightTales? We've got you covered. "This November all of these photos (plus a lot more) will be turned into massive, after-dark installations." — 🧵

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Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County @nhm.org · 08/10/2026

🔎 Next Friday, October 16, join us to celebrate @blackmammalogists.bsky.social with a special one-day, hands-on event! Learn how to set up camera traps to study wildlife, meet live animals up close, chat with real conservationists, and so much more. Free with admission! go.nhm.org/black-mammal...

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Black Mammalogists Week Celebration

Join us for a special one-day, hands-on event honoring the incredible contributions of Black scientists and conservationists in the field of mammalogy.

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Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County @nhm.org · 08/10/2026

⚾️ We LOVE our dinosaurs and now we have the jersey to prove it! Root for the home team with our brand-new NHM baseball t-shirts: go.nhm.org/nhm-baseball... go.nhm.org/nhm-baseball...

A blue shirt with "Dinosaurs" in a classic baseball script with "NHM LA" in the back.

A black shirt with "Dinosaurs" in a classic baseball script with "NHM LA" in the back.

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Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County @nhm.org · 07/10/2026

From their presence in pop culture to the world of cuting-edge orca science, dive deeper with our new exhibition, now on view.

Vintage orca film posters on display at NHM's Orcas: Our Shared Future exhibit, a joint venture between and produced by the Royal British Columbia Museum in Victoria, Canada, and MuseumsPartner in Austria.

Free Willy film poster on display at NHM's Orcas: Our Shared Future exhibit, a joint venture between and produced by the Royal British Columbia Museum in Victoria, Canada, and MuseumsPartner in Austria.

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Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County @nhm.org · 07/10/2026

From being feared as "killer whales" to being known as intelligent, social, and deeply connected marine mammals, media has helped spotlight orcas, making them a symbol of activism and an inspiration to millions around the world.

Orca activism pins on display at NHM's Orcas: Our Shared Future exhibit, a joint venture between and produced by the Royal British Columbia Museum in Victoria, Canada, and MuseumsPartner in Austria.

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Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County @nhm.org · 07/10/2026

Through "Orcas: Our Shared Future", we learn that the perception of whales dramatically changed as humans encountered individual orcas.

Blackfish film poster and Sealand sweater on display at NHM's Orcas: Our Shared Future exhibit, a joint venture between and produced by the Royal British Columbia Museum in Victoria, Canada, and MuseumsPartner in Austria.

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Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County @nhm.org · 07/10/2026

BE ADVISED 🕷 ***UPDATE*** Due to the continuing heat advisory, our Spider Pavilion will be closed again today, October 7. For inquiries or to reschedule your visit, please email info@nhm.org. We apologize for the inconvenience!

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Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County @nhm.org · 06/10/2026

🪶 Made possible by a grant from the National Science Foundation, NHM's Ornithology Department recently installed new cabinets to house and better care for the collections for decades to come. Dr. Allison Shultz (Associate Curator, Ornithology) shares more about the exciting upgrade!

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Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County @nhm.org · 05/10/2026

Serrated bite marks from their teeth have been found on fossil bones of marine mammals. 📍 Age of Mammals (Upper Floor), Level 1

Tooth of 𝘖𝘵𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘴 𝘮𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘥𝘰𝘯 on display at NHM's Age of Mammals exhibition.

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Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County @nhm.org · 05/10/2026

Would you believe this tooth is from one of the largest sharks that ever lived? 𝘖𝘵𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘴 𝘮𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘥𝘰𝘯 (previously classified as 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘥𝘰𝘯) could grow to more than 60 feet long, cementing its place as the largest predatory shark in Earth's history.

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Reposted by Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Christine Wilkinson, PhD 🌈 @scrappynaturalist.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Get ready for #BlackMammalogists Week 2026! Oct 11-17th. Lots of virtual opportunities plus our first in-person event on Oct 16 at @nhm.org ! 🎉

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Reposted by Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Barbra Dillon @barbrajdillon.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

I’m thrilled to join @nhm.org for their “Movies Under the Microscope” series on Thursday, October 16! Join us for a screening of EXPLORERS (1985) & a post-screening panel on what ‘80s sci-fi got right (and maybe not-so right) about space travel! Tickets available here: go.nhm.org/movies

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Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County @nhm.org · 05/10/2026

Due to the continuing heat advisory, our Spider Pavilion will be closed again today, October 5. For inquiries or to reschedule your visit, please email info@nhm.org. We apologize for the inconvenience!

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Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County @nhm.org · 04/10/2026

"Apparently this particular specimen used to be mounted in the museum with a dead monkey clutched in its talons, but was taken down and hidden in the back until he was ready for his neon debut."

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Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County @nhm.org · 04/10/2026

"I also learned a lot of weird bird facts. For example, Harpy Eagles, like the one pictured [below], are the largest species of eagle and are known to prey on monkeys."

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Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County @nhm.org · 04/10/2026

“For NightTales, I interviewed Dr. Allison Shultz, Associate Curator of Ornithology, about the birds featured in the show. We talked about the conservation and research happening within the Ornithology department and how scientists use specimens to better understand environmental changes."

This slide features a Turquoise-browed Motmot, one of the colorful Central and South American species selected to be photographed. Allison explained that the museum has a particularly strong collection of birds from this region, and as someone who studies color, she was naturally drawn to the incredible variety of colorful tropical species.

By photographing the specimens with colored light, some of these colors are obscured but if you look closely you can still see the natural colors and patterns shine through.

Art by Maggie West.

Burrowing owls are unusual little owls that spend much of their time on the ground and are active during the day. They take over burrows made by animals like ground squirrels and even lay their eggs underground.

Art by Maggie West.

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Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County @nhm.org · 04/10/2026

Observing ornithology collections in a whole new light. Hear from #NightTales featured artist Maggie West about capturing these exquisite specimens for our new activation starting next month. — go.nhm.org/maggie-west

When I was interviewing Allison, I had to ask: do more people like birdwatching now or am I just getting old?

Allison told me birdwatching really has become more popular, especially among younger people. She saw a huge increase during COVID, when people began paying more attention to the birds in their own backyards. She also thinks its popularity reflects a desire to disconnect from screens and social media and reconnect with the natural world.

By the way, the above slide is a Grey-winged Trumpeter and you are not likely to see it in your back yard. Unless your back yard is in a tropical rainforest in South America.

Art by Maggie West.

One of the most fascinating things I learned is how different museum departments collaborate on environmental research. Allison showed me historic house finch specimens whose feathers still hold soot from LA’s air pollution. By analyzing that soot with the Mineral Sciences department, researchers can study changes in pollution over time and even identify sources like coal burning, automobile exhaust, diesel fuel and wildfire smoke.

By visiting the museum, you’re not only having a great time, you’re also supporting important research that helps us better understand our environment ✨

Courtesy of Maggie West.

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Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County @nhm.org · 03/10/2026

BE ADVISED 🕷 Due to a heat advisory, Spider Pavilion will be closed today, October 3, and Sunday, October 4. For questions or to reschedule your visit, please email info@nhm.org. Apologies for the inconvenience!

A family observes free-roaming spiders in the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County Spider Pavilion.

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Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County @nhm.org · 02/10/2026

Did you know that dripping water can grow minerals? These malachite specimens all formed from water flowing underground! Water absorbs chemicals from surrounding rocks as it trickles through cracks. New minerals grow with each drip once it seeps out into a cave. 📍 Unearthed: Raw Beauty, Level 1

Malachite specimen on display at NHM's Unearthed: Raw Beauty exhibit.

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Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County @nhm.org · 01/10/2026

🎬 Friday, October 16, join us for “Movies Under the Microscope”, featuring 1985’s “Explorers”, where three kids build a homemade spaceship in their backyard and get a whole lot more than they bargained for. Enjoy pre-screening activities and stay for the discussion! go.nhm.org/mutm-explorers

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Movies Under the Microscope: Explorers

Join us for a special screening of Explorers (1985), featuring expert-led discussions, a lively pre-screening reception, and a fun look at what 80s sci-fi got both right and hilariously wrong.

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Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County @nhm.org · 01/10/2026

🔎 Friday, October 16, join us at NHM to celebrate @blackmammalogists.bsky.social with a special one-day, hands-on event honoring the incredible contributions of Black scientists and conservationists in the field of mammalogy! Free with admission. View full event details: go.nhm.org/black-mammal...

A variety of taxidermy mammals from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County diorama halls bathed in a cool, violet hue with text, "Black Mammalogists Week Celebration / Oct 16" with the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and Black Mammalogists logos.

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Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County @nhm.org · 30/09/2026

Every intrepid inquiry, whether it be far afield or in L.A., offers the chance for our museums to become better stewards of our natural and cultural worlds. From islands off the Southern California coast to the mountains of Antarctica, see what wonders we’ve found: go.nhm.org/our-global-f...

Screenshot of the Our Global Footprint interactive map featuring numerous expeditions, fieldwork, findings, and more from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.

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Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County @nhm.org · 29/09/2026

Conservation intern Anjali Sehra spent her summer working with our Mammalogy Research and Collections teams, helping prepare, preserve, document, and digitize specimens. Hear all about the experience with “Curating Curiosity”, courtesy of @uscwrigley.usc.edu. go.nhm.org/curating-cur...

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Curating Curiosity - Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability

Creating a more sustainable and environmentally just future for our planet and all who live on it

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Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County @nhm.org · 28/09/2026

A recent report from @nytimes.com made a splash with Angelenos: more than ever before, black bears are finding their way into our pools, backyards, and spaces. We checked in with our curators for the facts, why and how they’re coming over, and what 𝘺𝘰𝘶 can do to prevent it. go.nhm.org/black-bears

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Black Bears in Your Los Angeles Backyard

We asked our Curator of Mammalogy and Curator of Community Science what to do about big, hairy nosy neighbors

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Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County @nhm.org · 28/09/2026

👻 Calling all ghouls and ghosts… Haunted Museum is just two weeks away! Saturday, October 10, satisfy your thirst and sip on brews, dance the night away to monster-mashing tunes, and grab a bite of delicious sweet treats from local food trucks, all after hours at the Museum! nhm.org/hauntedmuseum

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Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County @nhm.org · 26/09/2026

💙🦋 Don’t miss #NightTales select evenings beginning November 12! nhm.org/nighttales

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Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County @nhm.org · 26/09/2026

Interrupting your doomscroll to bring you more stunning NHM specimens courtesy of featured #NightTales artist Maggie West. instagram.com/maggiewest

Amethyst Quartz Scepters from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County collections. Artwork by Maggie West.

A peacock feather from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County collections. Artwork by Maggie West.

Zinna from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County Edible Garden. Artwork by Maggie West.

A longhorn beetle from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County collections. Artwork by Maggie West.

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Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County @nhm.org · 26/09/2026

🫱 Did you know all mammals, including killer whales, have the same bones humans have in our forearms and hands? Amanda Killian, Assistant Collection Manager, shares just one of many fascinating things about orcas. Dive deeper with our new exhibition “Orcas: Our Shared Future”, now on view at NHM.

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Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County @nhm.org · 25/09/2026

Thursday, October 1, uncover the compelling stories behind the featured objects in our special exhibition, “The Declaration in Progress”, and see how individual actions have continually shaped our nation's history in a fascinating virtual conversation—Free to RSVP: go.nhm.org/declaration-...

Digital scan of a portion of a draft copy of the Declaration of Independence, courtesy of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.

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Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County @nhm.org · 25/09/2026

We honor the thriving, diverse Native American tribes that call Los Angeles home and proudly celebrate their living cultures, history, resilience, and leadership through storytelling and programs with community partners. go.nhm.org/native-ameri...

Exterior view of NHM Commons at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County with native plants and a commemorative plaque acknowledging the Native American and Indigenous peoples of Los Angeles.

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Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County @nhm.org · 25/09/2026

Today, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County recognizes the 59th annual California Native American Day, a statewide observance honoring California Native peoples. californianativeamericanday.com

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Reposted by Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County @nhm.org · 19/09/2026

Educators! Next Saturday, join us for our Educator Open House where you'll hear about our School Programs offerings for 2026 - 2027, enjoy table displays and activities, and enter to win fabulous prizes—including a bus scholarship for a trip to NHM! Register for free today: go.nhm.org/eoh-0926

Education professionals enjoy a round of laughs at a Natural History Museum Workshop/Open House.

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Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County @nhm.org · 23/09/2026

This embryo fossil from 𝘔𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘰𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘺𝘭𝘶𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘴 provides us with the most reliable evidence of the identity of the eggs and the dinosaur that laid them. 📍 Dinosaur Hall, Level 1

Close-up of the embryo of 𝘔𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘰𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘺𝘭𝘶𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘴

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Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County @nhm.org · 23/09/2026

Would you believe these eggs are from a dinosaur that lived approximately 200 million years ago? Although identifying which species of dinosaur laid a particular egg is quite difficult, the surest way is to find an embryo inside an unhatched fossilized egg, which is a rare find.

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Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County @nhm.org · 22/09/2026

We’re pleased to offer special discounts of $5 off General Admission for Adults and $3 off General Admission for Children, Students, and Seniors. Simply show your Lucas Museum ticket to on-site staff to save.* *Valid within 30 days of your visit. Offer ends December 31, 2026.

An exterior shot from Exposition Park featuring NHM Commons at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, South LA Cafe, and the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art.

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Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County @nhm.org · 22/09/2026

👋 Hello there, #LucasMuseum! Extending a warm welcome to our new neighbors across the way at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art! Featuring galleries celebrating visual storytelling, NHM is happy to share common threads of stories, community, and imagination with a fellow cultural institution.

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Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County @nhm.org · 21/09/2026

Final weeks! Don't miss the October 1 deadline for the NHM Student Collections Study Awards, open to all undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled in an accredited degree-granting program. Apply today: go.nhm.org/student-coll...

Students work on a jacketed fossil in the Dinosaur Institute at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.

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Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County @nhm.org · 20/09/2026

An experience inspired by our collections and the natural world, #NightTales is more than a light show, sparking curiosity and delight at every turn. Artist Maggie West shares more of her work, noting, “So thrilled I got to photograph this rare black jaguar before it went on display in the museum.”

A taxidermy black jaguar from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County's collections. Photography/Artwork by Maggie West.

Artist Maggie West poses for a photo with a taxidermy black jaguar from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County's collections. Photography/Artwork by Maggie West.

Live blooms from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County's collections. Photography/Artwork by Maggie West.

Textured minerals from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County's collections. Photography/Artwork by Maggie West.

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Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County @nhm.org · 20/09/2026

Heteropoda davidbowie honors iconic Musician and Actor David Bowie, referencing song “Glass Spider” and album “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars”. Many even say the spider’s unique markings resemble Bowie’s early career makeup! Now on view through Dec. 6: nhm.org/spiders

nhm.org

Spider Pavilion

Walk among spiders and their magnificent webs in this unique, open-air experience.

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Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County @nhm.org · 20/09/2026

Our Living Collections team will pick a winning name by September 24. The winner will receive 4 tickets to this year's Spider Pavilion, a spider-themed swag bag, and an exclusive feeding experience with Lisa Gonzalez, Living Collections Program Manager.

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Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County @nhm.org · 20/09/2026

⚡ Ground Control to Major Tom... To celebrate the opening of our annual Spider Pavilion, we need your help naming our newest resident: a David Bowie Huntsman spider! With a lot of star power, Heteropoda davidbowie deserves a stage-worthy name! Drop your suggestions in the comments below. — 🧵

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