Explore over 500 million years of history and science

Let your inner scientist come out to play™!

Discover over 360,000 specimens from the natural world in North Museum’s carefully curated exhibits. Engage and explore! Live animals, interactive displays, beautifully displayed birds, mammals, fossils, and minerals. Learn how scientists and inventors are using their knowledge of the natural world to create new, amazing, and life-changing advances in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).

Ornithology Gallery

See how it all got started. The museum’s original collections trace their existence back to the 19th century and an active group of amateur naturalists in Lancaster County. They collected specimens to document the flora and fauna of this region, and in time, their combined collections found a home here at North. Guests will find a wide variety of fowl presented in beautiful, antique cases. This prized collection of both rare and local specimens wonderfully represents the amazing world of birds. There are examples of both present day and pre-20th century taxidermy. View extinct species that can only be seen here. The Heath Hen, Carolina Parakeet, and Passenger Pigeon all represent species that have been lost to extinction in North America.

Shallow Seas

Select items from North Museum’s cache of marine-based treasures make up a new exhibit, Shallow Seas, now through May 31, 2025. Explore three marine habitats—the Caribbean Sea, Coastal Atlantic, and Arctic Ocean—with specimens of sea life, shells, and plants depicting scenes from each ecosystem. See how the animals evolved to survive and sometimes thrive in their environments. This self-directed exhibit is presented in both English and Spanish languages. Dozens of items such as the jaws of a Great White Shark, a Narwhal tusk, and walrus skull on display!

Live Animal Room

Get to know more than twenty different species of animals in the North Museum’s Live Animal Room. Say hello to snakes, lizards, degus, turtles, toads, tarantulas, and more on your next visit.

Paleontology Gallery

Explore the past. What did Pennsylvania look like 200 million years ago? With an in-depth look at T. Rex, and the opportunity to get up close to the fossils, minerals, and plant species in prehistoric life, this exhibit is sure to please dinosaur lovers young and old. Get hands-on! Visitors can handle real fossils and bones in this interactive Paleontology Gallery.

Nature Gallery

This family-friendly space incorporates science and nature in a fun, hands-on area. Includes a live, glass-walled observation bee hive, interactive tree model, digital microscope, and ever-changing informative displays. Be sure to check out the amazing floor tile that helps illustrate the topography of our Susquehanna River Basin. Come play with nature!

Geology Room

A tectonic dilettante’s paradise, the Geology Room offers a tantalizing look at Earth’s many rocks and minerals. Our antique display cases show off original geological finds, while the newer cases are filled with multi-dimensional displays. Look for “Mineral Mysteries,” developed by our STEM Sisters, which demonstrates how various minerals play a role in our everyday life. These exhibits and a special scavenger hunt encourage you to discover and learn more about Geology.

STEAM Art Gallery

The North Museum of Nature and Science, STEAM Art Gallery promotes regional artwork that is inspired by science and nature.  Being a leader in the conversation around Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) the North Museum showcases artwork in the STEAM Gallery creating a link between science and art.