Rhode Island has a rich history going back to the Colonial era. The first colonists were very interested in the plants and animals that lived in the area, and our curiosity about the world around us hasn’t changed in the last 350 years. Here’s a museum in Providence that’s housed in a beautiful, historic building, and it’s full of fascinating treasures.
The Museum of Natural History opened its doors in 1896. Known as “The People’s University,” its mission is “to steward and interpret natural and cultural collections through exhibits, education and research to inspire people of all ages and cultures to enjoy the natural world, in order to better understand themselves and the world.”
Museum of Natural History and Planetarium/Facebook
You’ll find this beautiful, historic building in Roger Williams Park, at 1000 Elmwood Ave, Providence, RI 02907 It’s open every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is just $2.
Museum of Natural History and Planetarium/Facebook
The museum houses more than 250,000 items, from natural specimens to cultural artifacts, and it’s all set in a fascinating building with beautiful architectural details.
Museum of Natural History and Planetarium/Google
You’ll want to allow an entire afternoon to explore all of the items here. Only about two percent of the museum’s collection is on public display, but it will take you hours to see all of it!
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Get your kids off the couch and away from the video games for awhile, and watch them become excited about the world around them at this museum. There are plenty of interactive exhibits and activities to spark their interest and imagination.
Museum of Natural History and Planetarium
While everything here is interesting, some of the displays are certainly more exciting than others!
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The exhibits throughout the museum blend the natural world with human artifacts.
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You’ll see how various cultures have interacted with their environment throughout the years - from the implements they use to obtain food to the artistic renderings that ancient people created to define and celebrate the world around them.
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People today are no different - we all want to find ways in which we are part of the larger world around us. The museum hosts plenty of special events, like treasure hunts that will send you on a mission to find specific displays and learn more about each one.
Museum of Natural History and Planetarium
At Rhode Island’s only public planetarium, you’ll learn more about the history of space travel, and explore our solar system and universe.
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Check out a planetarium show at 2 p.m. every day in July and August and on Saturday and Sunday throughout the year.
Museum of Natural History and Planetarium
Learn more about the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium on its website, and follow the museum on its Facebook page to stay abreast of the latest events and happenings.
Museum of Natural History and Planetarium/Facebook
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Museum of Natural History and Planetarium
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Looking for another great place to observe the heavens above Rhode Island? Check out this little observatory!
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Address: 1000 Elmwood Ave, Providence, RI 02907
