The Museum of Natural History is Rhode Island’s only natural history museum and is home to the state’s only public planetarium.

[NOTE: Due to COVID19-based restrictions on group gatherings, the Museum is currently closed to the public. You can enjoy many of the Museum classes and exhibits online. Stay tuned to this website or subscribe to our email list to get regular updates.] Opened in 1896, the Museum houses more than a quarter million natural and cultural objects. For more than a century the museum has served as a unique educational, scientific and cultural resource by offering exciting exhibitions and programming that provide ways for children and families to learn about our world and its people.



Plan your visit

Hours:

Open daily 10:00am – 4:00pm, year round. Last admission is at 3:30pm.

Public planetarium shows are offered at 2 pm every Saturday and Sunday, during Rhode Island February and April school vacation weeks and daily in July and August.

The museum is closed 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, the first Monday of every month, October through March.

 

Admission:

Museum admission is $2, free for children under age 4. Some special programs have a separate admission.

Planetarium admission (includes museum admission) is $3 per person. Children under age 4 are not permitted in the planetarium.

Admission is free for Providence residents the first Saturday of the month.

Upcoming events at the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium

For more information on the Museum of Natural History visit www.providenceri.gov/museum.