The Florida Museum of Natural History inspires people to value the biological richness and cultural heritage of our diverse world and make a positive difference in its future. The museum is based …
The Florida Museum of Natural History inspires people to value the biological richness and cultural heritage of our diverse world and make a positive difference in its future. The museum is based on the University of Florida campus in Gainesville, with research sites throughout the world. It is Florida's official state natural history museum and one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing natural history museums.
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4.5/5 · 1,012 reviews
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Sep 16, 2024
The museum is extremely educational in the way it is laid out, tracing the geological development of the earth/animals, explanations...great place to take your children, never mind yourself! Well wor… Full review by Sandtom
Aug 14, 2024
Nice place to spend a few hours. Learn a little history of FL and see some of the animals of FL. Also some of the extinct animals and fossils. Full review by Sue B
Jul 9, 2024
Wonderful exhibit. We want to come back and take a second look. Dinosaurs, insects, ancient people and estuaries plus much more. Sooo much to see and take in. The butterfly Rainforest was the BEST. Full review by Cassandra G
This is a little bit complicated. I will summarize it, and tell you how to access the museum website. General admission is free, although the university suggests an entirely voluntary …
This is a little bit complicated. I will summarize it, and tell you how to access the museum website. General admission is free, although the university suggests an entirely voluntary donation of $6 for adults, $4 for youngsters. Note that this is a tax-deductible donation. For some of the special displays,such as the butterfly garden, a special add-on ticket is required at a separate price. The TripAdvisor listing includes a link to the website as well. Just double click "website" at the right side of the listing, then go to plan your visit/admission. The attraction is fascinating and well worth the cost involved.
About how long does it take to walk through the museum? I know it is different for everyone based on how long you look at everything, but I just want a general idea of how long it will take. Thanks!
A:
Hello, Thanks for the question. As you stated, everyone goes at a different pace. If experiencing the entire Museum, including the free permanent exhibits, as well as the featured exhibit …
Hello, Thanks for the question. As you stated, everyone goes at a different pace. If experiencing the entire Museum, including the free permanent exhibits, as well as the featured exhibit (currently "Wicked Plants") and living "Butterfly Rainforest," exhibit, I would say plan at least two-three hours. But again, everyone really is different, and some may be visiting with different ages or for specific purposes. For example, some parents or grandparents bring young children and stay for hours in only the Discovery Room area. Other visitors will spend two hours only in the "Butterfly Rainforest" taking photographs. (Same day exit and re-entry is allowed with your hand stamp). If you plan to attend a live butterfly release in the exhibit, held at 2 p.m daily with additional releases at 3 and 4 p.m. on weekends (weather permitting), allow an additional 15-20 minutes. Others may want to simply take a peek in each of the two gift shops, while some may spend 30 minutes or more in each shop. I hope this is helpful and that you enjoy your visit. Kind regards, Paul Ramey
is there any handicapped parking close to the entrance?
A:
Hello, Yes, there are handicapped spaces just north of the Florida Museum front doors, as well as additional spots just past the parking attendant booth. After pulling into the parking …
Hello, Yes, there are handicapped spaces just north of the Florida Museum front doors, as well as additional spots just past the parking attendant booth. After pulling into the parking lot, go straight past the parking booth on your right, and pull into the front circle area of the Florida Museum on your right (Look for a butterfly plant sale sign). After turning right, there are regular 45-minute metered spots on your left, and the handicapped spaces are a little further up on your right. Please let us know if you have other questions, and we hope you enjoy your visit.
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Frequently asked questions
Q:
What is a butterfly?
A:
A butterfly is a type of insect. Insects are distinguished from all other animals by having an external skeleton (a hard outer covering), three main body parts...