enjoy tour

The museum was established by state legislative mandate in 1872 to collect, preserve, skillfully prepare, display, and interpret our state's diverse animal and plant life for scholarly research and teaching and for public appreciation, enrichment, and enjoyment. Its governance belongs, by state legislative designation, to the University of Minnesota. The Bell Museum is a portal to experiences that bring people closer to the natural world. It is a small, personable place with big ideas, an historic state treasure, and a landmark destination. It is a familiar point-of-entry to the resources of the University of Minnesota and a gateway to the natural wonders of our state. The Bell Museum serves young and old alike as they seek to find—and better understand and appreciate—their own place in a living, changing world.People can become a member of the Bell Museum of Natural History by being a sponsor and supporter of the events and research that take place at the museum. Members receive exclusive invitations to opening receptions and private events. Members are also the first to hear about new activities, and only members receive discounts on classes, camps, and field trips. Members also receive a subscription to their seasonal magazine Imprints which serves as an update of research being done at the Bell Museum as feature articles focusing on the scientific accomplishments being made by Bell researchers. The Bell also receives donations from many independent donors and organizations to assist with any of the needs the Bell Museum may have.