Welcome to the “People’s University,” Roger Williams Park, Providence, RI
Founded: June 1896
Our mission is to steward and interpret natural and cultural collections through exhibits, education and research to inspire people of all ages and cultures to enjoy the natural world, in order to better understand themselves and the world. The Museum of Natural History is Rhode Island’s only natural history museum and is home to the state’s only public planetarium. For more than a century the museum has served as a unique educational, scientific and cultural resource by offering exciting exhibits and programming that provide ways for children and families to learn about our world and its people.
The Museum is temporarily closed through November 2024 for renovations and improvements to the museum and planetarium. Museum will RE-OPEN to the public in late November. We look forward to welcoming visitors back to our new and improved facilities. During the closure, museum staff will host off-site programs throughout Roger Williams Park! Some of the special FREE programming in Roger Williams Park while the museum is temporarily closed includes Plant and Bird Walks; Songs Under the Sycamore; Discovery Tykes; and Weekend Open Houses at the Betsey Williams Cottage. Thank you for your patience!