Museum of Natural History

The mission of the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History is to inspire in visitors of all ages understanding and a sense of wonder, discovery, respect, and responsibility for our natural and cultural worlds, through exhibits, programs, and collections, as well as through linkages with UI research and activities.

For almost 150 years, the Museum of Natural History has served the academic and public community with exhibitions, research collections, and special programs. Specimens number more than one million and were gathered during University-sponsored expeditions, research missions led by UI faculty and students, or donated by private collectors. Museum programs include an annual lecture and field trip series on natural and environmental topics.

Iowa Hall leads visitors on a 500-million-year adventure through the state's geological, cultural, and ecological history. The exhibits in Mammal Hall represent the adaptation and diversity of nearly every mammalian order on the planet, from aardvark to zebra. The Hageboeck Hall of Birds displays more than 1,000 specimens covering all aspects of bird life. The Diversity of Life exhibits lining the ground-floor corridor describe the major plant and animal groups, as well as the art of taxidermy and exhibit design. The Biosphere Discovery Hub, which opened in September 2007, is Iowa's gateway to our global environment. Guided tours of Iowa Hall are available with advance notice. The Iowa Hall lobby also features a gift shop and exhibits celebrating the work of Iowa's early naturalists.