Exhibits

A large bison statue looks at the camera.

Welcome to Morrill Hall, the University of Nebraska State Museum's premier natural history museum! 

Here, you'll embark on a journey through Nebraska's rich past and present, exploring diverse exhibits that showcase our state's incredible biological diversity and cultural heritage. Our world-renowned paleontological displays feature the iconic Elephant Hall, home to the largest articulated fossil Columbian mammoth, "Archie," and a unique collection of fossil elephants. Beyond these ancient giants, delve into interactive exhibits on evolution, Nebraska wildlife, and the fascinating history of the First Peoples of the Plains. We invite you to discover, learn, and be inspired by the wonders of the natural world and our place within it.

Temporary Exhibits

MH - Goliaths (exhibit)

This exhibit features Goliath beetles, the world’s heavyweight insects, and their relatives flower chafers and scarabs. Come learn what separates these beetles from other insects, where to find them, and their role in our ecosystems.

A glass fronted display case with a large collection of very big beetles.
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Permanent Exhibits

MH - Arms, Armor, and Anthropology (exhibit)

The exhibit highlights how weapons differ depending on cultural values, fighting tactics, environment and available resources.

A Samurai suit of armor sits on display in the middle of the exhibit of other weapons.
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MH - Bizarre Beasts (exhibit)

Journey back in time to explore the evolutionary forces that caused some of Earth's most strange creatures to adapt to different environments.

A model of a wildly fanged pterosaur menaces onlookers with its beak agape and wings outstretched.
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MH - Cherish Nebraska (exhibit)

A whole new floor of exhibits celebrating Nebraska’s natural heritage.

A large bison statue looks at the camera.
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MH - Explore Evolution (exhibit)

Explore how evolution works from the smallest to the largest organisms.

The Explore Evolution exhibition room with large models of DNA and a virus.
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MH - First Peoples of the Plains (exhibit)

Celebrate Native American cultures of the past and present.

First Peoples of the Plains header
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MH - Hall of Nebraska Wildlife (exhibit)

Take a trip across the state of Nebraska and see plants and animals in their natural environments.

Stuffed beavers look around their enclosure diorama which resembles Nebraskan prairie.
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MH - Jurassic Dinosaurs (exhibit)

A small gallery focused on the Jurassic period and some of the dinosaurs that lived then.

Close up on a the skull and neck bones of a tyrannosaurus.
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MH - Life in the Past Lane (exhibit)

Visit our world famous collection of ancient elephants, fossil rhinos, giant camels, and horses that once lived in Nebraska.

A side view of a mastodon skeleton on a dark background.
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MH - Mesozoic Gallery (exhibit)

A gallery on the "Age of Dinosaurs" featuring Nebraska fossils of Mesozoic creatures.

The skeleton of a Chasmosaurus in front of a painted forest backdrop.
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MH - Photo Ark (exhibit)

Native Nebraskan Joel Sartore’s photos and videos tell the story of endangered and threatened species around the globe.

A huge display wall of photographs including several fish, a snake and a colorful parrot.
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MH - Toren Gallery of Ancient Life (Exhibit)

Explore the Paleozoic Era - a time before dinosaurs - and investigate what lifeforms were roaming Earth.

Many embedded fossils of marine life that resemble long stemmed flowers.
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RC - Highway Paleontology Program

The Highway Paleontology Program is a partnership between the University of Nebraska State Museum and Nebraska Department of Transportation.

Heavy construction machinery travels across snowy land near road construction with wind turbines in the background.
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