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theNat

Summer of Wonder—With new exhibits and extended hours, a new T. rex film roaring into the theater, Nat at Night every Friday, and hands-on activities on weekends, there will be whole lot of wonderful to fill up a busy, beautiful summer.

150th Anniversary Exhibit—A new exhibition opening Memorial Day weekend will showcase important moments in the organization’s, and San Diego’s, history—particularly focused on how nature lovers have worked tirelessly to protect the wildlife and habitats that make this region so special.

Nature Garden—A new, native plant garden will bloom to life in early summer 2024, surrounding the building with living displays that provide habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. This free amenity for all Balboa Park visitors is the Museum’s birthday present back to the community.

A new giant screen film—The Museum is commissioning a special film for its anniversary year. Debuting in late 2024, a brand-new, 40-minute movie will showcase a year in the life of San Diego’s spectacular flora and fauna.

Planning is underway for special Nat Talks, history-infused docent tours, a community mural featuring nature photos submitted by the public, and parties for everyone from longtime patrons to new audiences. The building itself is getting spruced up too, with updated furnishings and a new mural by artist Eva Struble in the Atrium, and new store and cafe slated to open in spring 2024.

For those who want to stay in the know on events and activities, the Museum is inviting people to visit their website,

Summer of Wonder—With new exhibits and extended hours, a new T. rex film roaring into the theater, Nat at Night every Friday, and hands-on activities on weekends, there will be whole lot of wonderful to fill up a busy, beautiful summer.

150th Anniversary Exhibit—A new exhibition opening Memorial Day weekend will showcase important moments in the organization’s, and San Diego’s, history—particularly focused on how nature lovers have worked tirelessly to protect the wildlife and habitats that make this region so special.

Nature Garden—A new, native plant garden will bloom to life in early summer 2024, surrounding the building with living displays that provide habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. This free amenity for all Balboa Park visitors is the Museum’s birthday present back to the community.

A new giant screen film—The Museum is commissioning a special film for its anniversary year. Debuting in late 2024, a brand-new, 40-minute movie will showcase a year in the life of San Diego’s spectacular flora and fauna.

Planning is underway for special Nat Talks, history-infused docent tours, a community mural featuring nature photos submitted by the public, and parties for everyone from longtime patrons to new audiences. The building itself is getting spruced up too, with updated furnishings and a new mural by artist Eva Struble in the Atrium, and new store and cafe slated to open in spring 2024.

For those who want to stay in the know on events and activities, the Museum is inviting people to visit their website,

San Diego —The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) is celebrating their 150 th birthday and pulling out all the stops for a summer to remember for nature lovers. Featuring brand-new exhibits and films, special programs and activities, and extended hours, Summer of Wonder has something for everyone.

“This is a significant milestone year and is the culmination of many years of planning, fundraising, and truly hard work,” said Judy Gradwohl, the Christy Walton President and CEO. “We’re delighted to invite the community to celebrate with us as we honor our history and look to the future. Summer of Wonder is for everyone.”

Summer of Wonder takes place from Memorial Day weekend (Friday, May 24) through Labor Day weekend (Monday, September 2). Visitors are encouraged to explore the website, sdnat.org/summerofwonder , for details and to purchase tickets. All activities are included with admission unless otherwise noted.

New Exhibits Opening May 24

Nature Trail at The Nat . An immersive nature garden that surrounds the Museum and showcases the incredible diversity of native plants. It’s The Nat’s birthday gift to the community and free for all to enjoy. Learn more .

Action from the Archives : The Nat at 150 . The research team has dug deep into the archives for some one-of-a-kind photos of the unforgettable people who helped make The Nat what it is today. We’ve packed 150 years of history into 150 feet! Learn more .

Events for All Ages

Nat at Night . The best weekends start in Balboa Park. On Fridays, admission is half-price after 5 PM. Visitors can explore all four floors, then hit the roof for a spectacular San Diego sunset view, a TGIF cocktail, and small bites from Wolf in the Woods. Learn more .

Weekends of Wonder . Explore the Museum with special animal encounters, storytime, and activities from community partners. There are different offerings every Saturday and Sunday. Visit sdnat.org/events for details—full list available in April.

Extended Hours All Summer Long

Visitors can enjoy beautiful San Diego days and take in more of the natural world, because longer days mean longer hours. On weeknights (Monday-Thursday), The Nat stays open until 7 PM. On Fridays, hours extend until 10 PM for Nat at Night.

To stay in the know on anniversary events and activities, visit the website , sign up for email updates ,

In 1874, the San Diego census recorded about 3,000 people—just a little larger than the enrollment of San Diego High School today. That was just 15 years after Charles Darwin published On the Origin of Species, and the telephone hadn’t been invented yet. In October of that year, a group of amateur naturalists came together to form the San Diego Society of Natural History to be a primary source of scientific culture: find new species, discuss technical innovations, serve a growing community eager for information, and make real contributions to the study of this region.

Now, 150 years later, the organization known as the San Diego Natural History Museum—or The Nat for short—is still doing just that. It is now the oldest scientific institution in Southern California, and one of the longest enduring science organizations in the western United States. The Nat has grown from a small society of natural history lovers and collectors to a big museum with more than 8 million specimens, an active research and conservation arm, spectacular programs, and award-winning exhibitions.

In 2024, the Museum is celebrating its sesquicentennial—150 years of studying, protecting, and bringing people closer to nature.

“As we plan for our 2024 events and celebrations, we want to recognize that we are more than a building with exhibitions,” explained Judy Gradwohl, the Christy Walton President and CEO. “We serve the community in many ways—through conservation, research, education, and much more.”

“Over the years, our programs have changed but our passion remains the same—we want everyone to love nature as much as we do so we can protect it for future generations. We hope the community is excited to get involved and be part of the biggest year in our history.”

Nature lovers will have a lot to celebrate, as the Museum is working on a full calendar of events to commemorate this milestone. Some programs and special offers launched in January, though the larger emphasis is on the second half of the year. Here’s just a peek at what’s in store:

Year-Round Special Offers

Free Birthday Admission—On the occasion of The Nat’s 150th birthday, visitors will receive free Museum admission on one date of their choice during their own birthday month.

Merch-a-Month—The Museum will roll out one limited-edition product every month, starting with a beautiful nature-themed art print designed especially for The Nat by nationally recognized author and illustrator Rachel Ignotofsky.

For those who want to stay in the know on events and activities, the Museum is inviting people to visit their website, sign up for email updates, or follow them on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok .

In 1874, the San Diego census recorded about 3,000 people—just a little larger than the enrollment of San Diego High School today. That was just 15 years after Charles Darwin published On the Origin of Species, and the telephone hadn’t been invented yet. In October of that year, a group of amateur naturalists came together to form the San Diego Society of Natural History to be a primary source of scientific culture: find new species, discuss technical innovations, serve a growing community eager for information, and make real contributions to the study of this region.

Now, 150 years later, the organization known as the San Diego Natural History Museum—or The Nat for short—is still doing just that. It is now the oldest scientific institution in Southern California, and one of the longest enduring science organizations in the western United States. The Nat has grown from a small society of natural history lovers and collectors to a big museum with more than 8 million specimens, an active research and conservation arm, spectacular programs, and award-winning exhibitions.

In 2024, the Museum is celebrating its sesquicentennial—150 years of studying, protecting, and bringing people closer to nature.

“As we plan for our 2024 events and celebrations, we want to recognize that we are more than a building with exhibitions,” explained Judy Gradwohl, the Christy Walton President and CEO. “We serve the community in many ways—through conservation, research, education, and much more.”

“Over the years, our programs have changed but our passion remains the same—we want everyone to love nature as much as we do so we can protect it for future generations. We hope the community is excited to get involved and be part of the biggest year in our history.”

Nature lovers will have a lot to celebrate, as the Museum is working on a full calendar of events to commemorate this milestone. Some programs and special offers launched in January, though the larger emphasis is on the second half of the year. Here’s just a peek at what’s in store:

Year-Round Special Offers

Free Birthday Admission—On the occasion of The Nat’s 150th birthday, visitors will receive free Museum admission on one date of their choice during their own birthday month.

Merch-a-Month—The Museum will roll out one limited-edition product every month, starting with a beautiful nature-themed art print designed especially for The Nat by nationally recognized author and illustrator Rachel Ignotofsky.

For those who want to stay in the know on events and activities, the Museum is inviting people to visit their website, sign up for email updates, or follow them on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok .

Sip a signature cocktail while exploring the San Diego Natural History Museum during “Nat at Night” on select Fridays (April 19 and May 17) in spring. The venue can be enjoyed 5-10 p.m. On May 24, 2024 — Memorial Day weekend — Nat at Night will return weekly for the summer. The venue showcases the natural history of Southern California and the Baja California Peninsula via fascinating exhibits spanning four floors, a giant screen theater, summer camp, free guided hikes, talks, lectures, community science projects and an expansive research collection. As a birthday present to San Diego, the museum will open a new native plant garden in late spring. Pocket gardens and interpretive trails will surround the museum’s building with living displays of native and low-water plants that provide habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. Visit 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily and Enjoy $4 Off Admission to The Nat Here