Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Owls of Illinois

Wildlife photographer Jerry Goldner takes us on a journey into the world of the elusive owl. Goldner’s passionate view captures the mystery and beauty of this magnificent animal. Images taken from local natural areas tell the story of these amazing creatures and the people who are entranced by them.
A Meticulous Beauty

A new art exhibit from internationally known artist Jennifer Angus, this collection of sustainably farmed insects prompts guests to appreciate the beauty of the wallpaper-like pattern of bugs from afar, and to consider the individual pattern and beauty of insects up close.
Judy Istock Butterfly Haven

The Judy Istock Butterfly Haven is the museum's internationally renowned signature 2,700 square foot greenhouse. Home to more than 1,000 butterflies (75 species), the haven is the perfect tropical retreat.
Read More »

Wilderness Walk

So many different environments are found in Chicago. Walk through a recreation of a prairie, savanna and dune, complete with authentic sounds and preserved animals.
Beecher Collections Laboratory

Named after the legendary former director of the Chicago Academy of Sciences, WIlliam J. Beecher, this is a place to see scientists engaged in real taxidermy of bison, skunks, coyotes and more.
Birds of Chicago

Get up close to the birds you see in your backyard and discover how to identify them by their sounds. More than 115 specimens, including the Midwest turkey, cardinal and endangered Prairie chicken are on display from the Chicago Academy of Sciences Collections. Choose which ones you want to hear by touching the screen on the interactive kiosk.

Extreme Green House

See the nature inside your house and the ecology within your walls. Take a tour with the Green family and discover the way the environment connects all of us.
Hands-on Habitat

Knee-high naturalists can explore the secret world of animal homes. Adventures include exploring an underground cave, a giant roped spider web and a busy beaver lodge.
Heritage of the Chicago Academy of Sciences

Celebrate and be inspired by a snapshot of the Academy's more than 150 year legacy of scientific research of Chicago and the region. A mount of a porcupine, a blanding's turtle skeleton and mammal skins are just a few of the samples on display.

Istock Family Look-in Lab

Watch as Museum scientists and volunteers care for and study the animals that comprise the Museum's Living Collection.
Micole Birdwalk

Look through binoculars to see the variety of birds that surround North Pond. Listen to bird calls at interactive kiosks while enjoying views of Chicago's gorgeous skyline.
Mysteries of the Marsh

Learn about one of the most famous former marshes in the world - Chicago! Explore seven different types of wetland you can find near your home and animals that live there. Did you know that nearly two-thirds of the endangered species in Illinois are found in wetlands?

Nature's LunchBox

At Nature's LunchBox sponsored by Dominick's, discover how food and nature are connected. The fascinating life cycle of food - from the farm all the way to fork - is explained with panel displays and interactive components.
Nature Trails

The fun continues outside the Museum walls at our largest permanent exhibition! Nature Trails is a nearly 1/3 mile trail where you'll be inspired by the abundance of nature that surrounds us, even in this urban environment.
RiverWorks

Splash your way through this exhibit as you discover that only real lazy rivers are the ones you find at water parks. Rivers are nature's own flood controls and are filled with species of fish, herons, beavers and painted turtles. Interact with River Works by reversing the flow of the river, turn the river into a lake, build your own dam and even control a water turbine.