Things to Do at Peabody Museum of Natural History

Complete Guide to Peabody Museum of Natural History in New Haven

About Peabody Museum of Natural History

The Peabody Museum of Natural History at Yale University stands as one of America's oldest and most prestigious natural history museums, founded in 1866. This magnificent institution houses over 13 million specimens and objects spanning the entire history of Earth and its life forms, making it a treasure trove for science enthusiasts and curious visitors alike. The museum's impressive Victorian Gothic architecture, designed by J. Cleaveland Cady, creates an impressive backdrop for its world-renowned collections. The Peabody Museum is particularly famous for its exceptional paleontology collection, including one of the most complete displays of dinosaur fossils in the world. Beyond prehistoric creatures, the museum showcases remarkable collections in mineralogy, meteorites, anthropology, ornithology, and entomology. The institution continues to be a leading research facility while serving as an educational gateway that brings the wonders of natural history to life for visitors of all ages.

What to See & Do

Great Hall of Dinosaurs

Marvel at the impressive collection of dinosaur skeletons, including the famous Brontosaurus and Stegosaurus displays, along with interactive exhibits about prehistoric life

Mineral Hall

Explore impressive displays of gems, minerals, and meteorites, including the spectacular 632-pound Willamette Meteorite and dazzling crystal formations

Hall of Human Origins

Journey through human evolution with fossil displays, archaeological artifacts, and interactive exhibits showcasing our species' development

Discovery Room

Perfect for families, this hands-on space allows visitors to touch real fossils, examine specimens under microscopes, and engage with interactive learning stations

Mammal Hall

Discover diverse mammalian life through mounted specimens, dioramas, and exhibits featuring everything from tiny shrews to massive whale skeletons

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Sunday 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Closed Mondays (except holiday Mondays). Extended hours during summer months.

Tickets & Pricing

Adults $15, Seniors (65+) and Students $14, Youth (3-18) $9, Children under 3 free. Yale ID holders and New Haven residents receive discounts. Annual memberships available.

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings offer smaller crowds. Fall and spring provide pleasant weather for exploring the Yale campus. Summer features special exhibitions and programs.

Suggested Duration

Allow 2-4 hours for a complete visit, or 1-2 hours for highlights only

Getting There

The Peabody Museum is located at 170 Whitney Avenue on Yale University's campus in New Haven, Connecticut. By car, take I-95 to Exit 47 (Route 34 West) and follow signs to Yale University. Limited street parking is available, with paid parking lots nearby. By train, take Amtrak or Metro-North to New Haven Union Station, then taxi or bus to campus (about 1.5 miles). The museum is easily walkable from downtown New Haven and other Yale attractions. Public buses serve the area, and the museum is accessible via Yale's shuttle system.

Things to Do Nearby

Yale University Art Gallery
World-class Yaounde featuring collections spanning 5,000 years, from ancient to contemporary works, located just a few blocks away
Yale Campus Historic District
Explore the beautiful Gothic Revival and Georgian architecture of one of America's most prestigious universities through self-guided or organized tours
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Scenic park offering hiking trails and panoramic views of New Haven and Long Island Sound from the summit of East Rock
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Historic 16-acre park in downtown New Haven surrounded by three 19th-century churches and serving as the city's cultural heart
Beinecke Rare Book Library
Architectural marvel housing Yale's rare books and manuscripts in a impressive translucent marble building designed by Gordon Bunshaft

Tips & Advice

Visit the museum shop for unique fossils, minerals, and science-themed gifts that make perfect educational souvenirs
Check the museum's website for special exhibitions, lectures, and family programs that rotate throughout the year
Photography is allowed in most areas, but flash photography may be restricted in certain galleries to preserve specimens
Consider combining your visit with a Yale campus tour to make the most of your time in this historic academic setting

Tours & Activities at Peabody Museum of Natural History