Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Opening in 1913 as the Museum of History, Science, and Art, the institution was a cornerstone of Exposition Park's development. Its original Beaux-Arts building, featuring the iconic rotunda and marble columns, remains one of the city's most beautiful architectural gems and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum was initially shared with the art community until the Los Angeles County Museum of Art moved to its own campus in the 1960s, allowing the NHM to focus entirely on the natural world and human history. Over the decades, the museum expanded its collections to over 35 million specimens, becoming the largest natural and historical museum in the western United States. It underwent significant renovations in the early 21st century, particularly the 2013 transformation which added the glass-enclosed Otis Booth Pavilion and the 3.5-acre Nature Gardens, revitalizing its connection to the surrounding urban environment. These expansions have allowed the museum to showcase its massive collection of fossils, gems, and cultural artifacts in modern, interactive spaces that engage the public in scientific inquiry. Today, the museum is world-renowned for its Dinosaur Hall, which features the only T. rex growth series in the world, showcasing a baby, juvenile, and adult specimen. It serves as both a research powerhouse and a community hub, bridging the gap between prehistoric wonders and the modern biodiversity of the Los Angeles Basin. The museum continues to be a vital center for education and discovery, inspiring millions of visitors each year with the epic story of our planet and its diverse inhabitants.