Museum of Life and Science | Durham

The Museum of Life and Science in Durham, North Carolina, is an expansive and multifaceted science and nature center that spans approximately 84 acres. It offers a wide range of interactive, educational, and immersive exhibits designed to engage visitors of all ages in hands-on learning about natural sciences, technology, wildlife, and the environment.

Location and Hours

The museum is located at 433 W. Murray Avenue in Durham. It operates daily, typically from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with early entry at 9:00 AM reserved for members. The museum closes on major holidays including New Year’s Day, Presidents Day, Indigenous People’s Day/Columbus Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, ensuring special observances while allowing visitors to plan accordingly.

Admission Pricing

Admission fees are tiered to accommodate different visitor groups:

General adult admission is $23.

Seniors aged 65 and older pay $21.

Children between ages 3 and 12 are charged $18.

Children 2 and under can enter for free.

Active U.S. military personnel with ID also pay $21.

Members of the museum enjoy free entry.

Additionally, there is a fee for train rides within the museum grounds, set at $6 for non-members and $4.50 for members.

Durham County residents benefit from designated Durham Community Days offering free admission with proof of residency, allowing each adult to bring up to five children free of charge, promoting accessibility for local families.

Exhibits and Experiences

The museum is divided into extensive indoor and outdoor areas, each featuring carefully curated exhibits designed to educate and inspire curiosity.

Indoor Exhibits

Aerospace Gallery: This section includes authentic Apollo-era space artifacts, notably a moon rock and a prototype model of the Apollo 15 Lunar Lander. These displays provide a rare glimpse into the history of space exploration and NASA missions.

Butterfly House (Magic Wings): One of the largest butterfly conservatories on the East Coast, this exhibit immerses visitors in a tropical rainforest environment where hundreds of colorful butterflies flutter freely, creating an enchanting sensory experience.

Carolina Wildlife: This exhibit spotlights native North Carolina species such as owls, turtles, and alligators, fostering awareness and appreciation for regional biodiversity.

Insectarium: Featuring a fascinating collection of rare and exotic insects from around the world, the Insectarium offers close-up views and educational information about these often misunderstood creatures.

Play to Learn: Targeted at children under five, this area encourages imaginative and sensory play with science-themed toys and interactive setups designed to spark early childhood learning.

The Lab and Launch Lab: Hands-on science laboratories where visitors can engage in experiments and demonstrations that explore physics, chemistry, biology, and technology.

Weather and Sound Garden: This interactive area explores natural phenomena related to weather patterns and sound waves, allowing guests to experiment with acoustics and meteorological concepts.

Outdoor Exhibits

Dinosaur Trail: This outdoor path features life-sized models of various dinosaur species set in naturalistic surroundings, coupled with a fossil dig site where children can experience paleontology firsthand.

Earth Moves: An interactive geological exhibit includes a striking 20-foot waterfall, along with hands-on sand and water features that demonstrate earth sciences such as erosion, sedimentation, and water cycles.

Explore the Wild: A live animal habitat area home to species like black bears, lemurs, and red wolves, offering opportunities for observation and learning about conservation efforts and animal behavior.

Hideaway Woods: A nature play area designed for children to explore with elements like treehouses, rope bridges, and a stream, encouraging physical activity and imaginative play in a natural setting.

Into the Mist: This playful outdoor exhibit uses misting water effects to simulate weather phenomena and provide cooling relief in warmer months.

Catch the Wind: Focused on wind and air movement, this exhibit includes interactive displays like a sailboat pond and a seed tower, demonstrating principles of aerodynamics and plant seed dispersal.

The Train: A popular attraction, the museum offers a scenic 10-minute ride on a scale replica of a historic C.P. Huntington locomotive that winds through the museum grounds, giving a leisurely overview of the outdoor exhibits.

Visitor Amenities

Dining: The Sprout Café serves breakfast and lunch options along with snacks, while the Elements Coffee Bar offers coffee, teas, and pastries, providing convenient refreshment stops within the museum.

Parking: Ample free parking is available for visitors, including a covered multi-level garage equipped with electric vehicle charging stations, facilitating easy access to the museum.

Accessibility: The museum is designed to be fully accessible, featuring wheelchair and stroller rentals, wide pathways, and accessible restrooms. Caregiver amenities include private nursing rooms and family break areas for comfort and convenience.

Wi-Fi: Complimentary wireless internet is available in the main building and select outdoor spaces, supporting connectivity for visitors who may want to use educational apps or share their experiences online.

Visitor Tips and Planning

To maximize the visit, it is advisable to review the museum’s campus map and exhibit information in advance. The museum’s expansive layout and variety of exhibits mean visitors should plan to spend several hours or potentially multiple visits to fully experience everything offered. Visitors are encouraged to bring sunscreen, hats, and appropriate outdoor clothing, particularly for exploring nature trails and outdoor play areas.

The Museum of Life and Science combines education, conservation, and entertainment, making it an ideal destination for families, school groups, tourists, and anyone interested in science, nature, and the environment. Its broad array of interactive exhibits and live animal habitats creates a stimulating environment that fosters curiosity, learning, and appreciation of the natural world.