Science Up Close: Fantastic Fossils

Exhibit Press Kit

Now Open

Press Release
Major Themes and Components
Exhibit Webpage

Science Up Close, a dynamic exhibition series, showcases the Florida Museum of Natural History’s research and collections in a whole new way. Take a unique look behind the scenes, interact with scientists while they work and explore some of the Museum’s coolest specimens to discover why they are relevant for people today.

In the first themed installment, Fantastic Fossils, come face-to-face with giant dinosaur skeletons, beautiful botanical fossils and ancient microscopic life. Engage one-on-one with researchers and watch them prepare real fossil specimens from the field. See hundreds of unusual fossils from Florida and around the world. Live programming, streaming from the field, touchable objects and interactive technology offer engaging experiences for all ages. Learn more about the process of paleontology and uncover the secrets of past life on Earth!

Admission:

$7 for adults
$6.50 for Fla. residents, seniors & non-UF college students
$4.50 for children ages 3-17
Free for UF students with valid Gator 1 card, Museum members and children 2 and under

High resolution versions of each image with captions are available for download below.

people picking up and interacting with a tray of fossils

Guests can meet curators, collection managers, students and other scientists to learn more about the work they do in the “Science Up Close: Fantastic Fossils” exhibit. ©Florida Museum/Kristen Grace

casts of triceratops and albertosaurus in the background

Visitors are welcomed into the exhibit by massive, life-size casts of Triceratops and Albertosaurus skeletons from the museum’s collections. ©Florida Museum/Jeff Gage

people sitting looking at screen showing museum collections

Researchers will provide daily programming live from the field with virtual presentations to show off neat findings and answer questions. ©Florida Museum/Kristen Grace

Scientists show visitors what usually happens in the museum collections, from cleaning and rebuilding fossils to sorting tiny bones from sediment and creating digital reconstructions. ©Florida Museum/Kristen Grace

The exhibit uses multiple themes to educate guests about the world of fossils and paleontology from a variety of perspectives, like this display of shells showcasing some of the tiniest specimens. ©Florida Museum/Jeff Gage

The touch table provides interactive learning for visitors, along with a paleoart activity and a magnified display to get an up-close look at tiny fossils. ©Florida Museum/Kristen Grace

Science Up Close: Fantastic Fossils logo

Science Up Close: Fantastic Fossils media graphic