by Linda Finnegan

Created on: October 06, 2010

Located near Emory University east of Midtown Atlanta, the Fernbanks Museum of Natural History is a popular attraction for visitors and locals alike. Built on 70 acres of Piedmont forest, the museum stands on land that was dedicated to biological study back in 1938. In 1967, the first science center was built. Later the center was expanded and opened in 1992, becoming the only museum in the world to grow out of an old-growth forest. In 2001, the museum became the first museum to display the world’s largest dinosaur in its 86 foot tall atrium. Since then the museum has continued to grow and brings the highest quality of educational programs and exhibits.

A Walk through Time in Georgia Exhibit

The signature exhibit of the Fernbank Museum of Natural History is the Walk through Time in Georgia Exhibit. The exhibit contains 16 galleries and dioramas that show the development of the planet and Georgia’s natural history. The exhibits explore all of Georgia’s geographical areas from the Piedmont to the coast and its barrier islands with its accompanying animals and plants. Other parts of the exhibit show geological and fossil records. Interactive exhibits include a walk through a cave, towering dinosaurs, and the Gray Reef diorama.

Giants of the Mesozoic Exhibit

Children love this exhibit. Visitors stand at the feet of huge fossil cast dinosaurs in the Great Hall of the museum. Replicas show the many animals of the era interacting with each other.

Sensing Nature Exhibit

This exhibit uses lasers, mirrors, water and acoustics to stimulate visitor’s senses. Patrons of the museum can witness a tornado forming right in front of them, use the forecasting station and then give a TV weather report.

Reflections of Culture Exhibit

Focusing on how personal adornment reflects culture, the exhibit explores clothing, jewelry and body art as a cultural expression. Some galleries feature how body modifications, such as piercing, tattooing, scarring, painting and body shaping, are expressions of personal identity and communication.

Other Exhibits

The World of Shells Exhibit shows how shells are made and how animals use them. The Conveyed in Clay Exhibit explores 5,000 years of human history on St. Catherine’s Island. The Children’s Exhibit provides many hands-on family exhibits and programs.

Special Exhibits

Special Exhibits travel through the museum regularly. Temporary exhibits include “Water,” “DeSoto’s Footsteps: New Archeological Evidence from Georgia,” Winter Wonderland: Celebrations and Traditions around the World,” and “Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns, and Mermaids.”

Other Features

The museum also features a gift shop, a café, and an IMAX theater.  There are many programs for adults and children alike and some areas of the museum can be rented to hold special community and family events.

Contact Information

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

767 Clifton Road, NE

Atlanta, GA 30307

404-929-6400

www.fernbankmuseum.org

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