(11.17) This bear is just one of the many, utterly weird, tableaux that have made the Museum of Natural History (MNH) in Roger Williams Park such a beloved destination. The entire museum is itself an artifact from another age, back when people found new scientific discoveries exciting, not threatening. The museum will be celebrating 122 years of operation this Saturday on MNH Community Day with special events and free admission (details below).
The museum was created in 1896 so that the natural world could be experienced by all Providence residents, not just the affluent toffs who were turning their homes into miniature museums, much like the Victorian Parlor on the museum’s second floor. This exhibit features a living, functioning beehive inserted through an outside wall, as well as a stunning bamboo-and-glass room divider filled with stuffed birds.
The Museum Vault Tour (at 1pm and 3pm) is just one of the events planned for MNH Community Day on Saturday.
Come join us for a tour of the Museum’s collection storage vaults! If you are tantalized by what you have seen on exhibit, come visit the 99% you have not seen. Children under 4 not admitted.
Don’t miss the Planetarium Show at 2pm. Again, children under 4 not permitted.
Learn about the journey of celestial discovery, from the theories of the ancient Greek astronomers to today’s grandest telescopes, in this full dome planetarium show. Revel in the splendor of the worlds of the solar system and our Sun. From Earth to the Universe takes you to the colorful birthplaces of stars, and still further out beyond the Milky Way Galaxy to the unimaginable immensity of a myriad galaxies.
Admission for Community Day: Museum and planetarium admissions are free for Providence residents and visitors bringing a canned good to donate to the RI Community Food Bank or children’s book to donate to Books are Wings. Otherwise: $5 for the Vault Tour, and $3 for the Planetarium Show (both of which include museum admission). MNH Facebook page.
MNH Community Day, Saturday, November 17, Roger Williams Park, 1000 Elmwood Avenue, 401.680.7221, (directions)
