Explore the Beauty of Bell Museum, USA. You found the Bell Museum, which could be called Minnesota’s front door to looking at the natural world! Located in the heart of Minnesota, it is a unique blend of science, art and education that aims to inspire and enlighten different ages old. There is something for everyone at the Bell Museum–whether you are a local, visitor, nature lover, or science nerd!
The Bell Museum is the James Ford Bell Museum of Natural History is a treasured institution with roots at the University of Minnesota that go back to 1880. This museum, founded in 1872 is the oldest of its kind in the state. It was established to further the natural history base in service of teaching, research and public understanding and appreciation in these fields within The University.
Founding and Early Years.
At first called the “State Museum of Natural History,” it was located in the university’s downtown Minneapolis campus. Initially home to specimens of natural history collected by the university’s residents, the museum was a storehouse for teaching tools to support programs in natural sciences as they began developing at the university.
Growth and Expansion.
Step back in time and the next thing you know, old expeditions and donations have stacked within the museum over the years, especially through late 19th/early 20th century. The director who had the most impact on the formation of the museum was Thomas Sadler Roberts, a physician turned university faculty member, who took over in 1915. In 1960, Roberts became curator of the ornithological collection and ushered the museum toward a greater research emphasis, especially on Minnesota birds.
Moving and Upgrading.
The museum was dedicated to Minneapolis businessman, philanthropist and General Mills founder James Ford Bell in 1940 after he made sizable monetary contributions toward the institution. The institution continued to grow, and by the 1960s it was evident that a new facility was necessary to accommodate an increasing amount of available collections as well as better serve the public.
The Bell Museum relocated to the St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota in 1978. The new buildings offered additional square footage for displays, storage, research and educational programs. This led to much larger dioramas and better exhibits but also allowed the museum to transform into a large scale cultural centre and educational powerhouse.
The New Bell Museum.
The latest chapter in the museum’s history started with another new building, opened on the University of Minnesota St. Paul campus in 2018. The facility itself is a modern state-of-the-art building with millions of new interactive exhibits, a brand-new planetarium and lot more square footage for permanent exhibit and traveling exhibits. Built with sustainability in mind, the new building features items like a green roof, solar panels and local materials.
Today’s Museum.
The Bell Museum today remains an institution charged with inspiring curiosity and wonder through its vast collections and exhibits connected to natural history, astronomy, and science. It is still a significant component of the University of Minnesota and a learning tool for all ages. Offering hundreds of programs, workshops and community outreach efforts, the museum’s commitment to education is a cornerstone of science education in Minnesota.
And like the legacy it has preserved, so too is the Bell Museum a place that involves people in science and education; where visitors can learn about and immerse themselves in natural history.
How to Go There and Location.
2088 Larpenteur Ave W, Saint Paul, MN 55113 — the Bell Museum (as if you needed any more convenience). You can drive here, take public transport or you could go by feet. It has plenty of parking for those driving in. If you rely on public transit, nearby bus lines will get you close enough to leave the car at home, which means it can be accessed from all corners of the city.
Hours of Operation.
They are open year-round with the hours differing to fit everyone’s schedule:
- Monday through Wednesday: Closed for a breather هون exhibits.
- Thursday & Friday: 10 AM to 4 PM, ideal for a day of discovering new things
- Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM, perfect for a family outing any weekend day.
- Sunday: Open from 12th Pm to 5 pm, perfect for a casual Sunday adventure.
Things to do and see at the Bell Museum.
Permanent Exhibits , The Bell Museum’s Permanent Exhibits are the centerpiece of the museum and range from the farthest corners of the universe to deepest oceans. Highlights include:
Touch and See Lab touch a real fossil, see a living animal, learn about species details from an eager educator.
I was invited to visit the @MinnesotaHistoricalSociety museum in St. Paul, which is always a fun way to spend an afternoon with your family.Here’s what you can find
at the museum:Minnesota Journeys: This exhibit takes you across the state’s natural landscape — from prairies, forests and North Shore (yes please).
Featured Exhibits: The Bell Museum has a permanent collection as well as a rotating set of temporary exhibits that change throughout the year and focus on relevant science and new research. These exhibits rotate often, so each trip can be something new.
Planetarium Shows As one of the museum’s showpieces, it allows for an insight into the wonders of the universe. Visitors can ride the digital waves of this seamless visual explosion and explore vast distances across stars, planets, and distant galaxies in crystal high-definition projection.
Programs and Events for Education.
But the Bell is about more than just visiting — it’s about doing. This offers a variety of educational programs to inspire minds and excite curiosity:
Children can also partake in the following types of workshops:Family Workshops – Parent children workshops are a great way to engage at-home learning through fun hands-on activities!
Adult Nights:The museum stays open one evening per month just for adults (21+) to participate in themed event activities, guest lectures and explore the exhibits kid-free.
Planning Your Visit.Getting the most out of your Bell Museum visit:
Check the Calendar Before you go, look at what special events or temporary exhibits are available on their calendar page on the museum website.
Passes and Tickets:If you plan to visit multiple times a year, look into getting membership. Apart from saving money, you will also get some additional perks includes member-only sneak peeks of new exhibitions.
Tags: • Accessibility, The Bell Museum welcomes visitors of all abilities and features exhibits and restrooms to accommodate guests with disabilities.
End Your Trip at the Cafe/Giftshop.
Be sure to stop by the museum cafe after viewing the exhibits for some food or coffee. It is also a good place to get a souvenir or two such as gifts that keep the spirit of discovery even after your visit.
Whether you need a way to keep the kids entertained and educated, an exciting new place for a date or something interesting to do on your own — the Bell Museum brings the natural world home to Minnesota. Check it out for yourself!
