You can think of the museum as like a library, but it’s full of biological diversity instead of books.

Chris Feldman

Associate Museum Director and Curator of Vertebrates

Dried dead bats labeled in a drawer.

Explore Nevada's natural heritage at the Museum of Natural History

Located on the campus of the University of Nevada, Reno, the Museum of Natural History holds irreplaceable specimens of plants and animals used in research, teaching, and outreach. Collections date back as far as the 1850s, and represent unique snapshots of the flora and fauna of the Great Basin and beyond. As the only museum of its kind in the state, the Museum of Natural History is a unique and important resource for understanding Nevada's natural heritage.

Hours

Our lobby is open for self-guided tours on Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. during the spring and fall semesters.

Guided virtual and in-person tours must be scheduled in advance.

Schedule your in-person tour

Want to know more about who we are and what we do?

From leading scientific research to community outreach and events, our museum encompasses a lot! Watch to learn more about what we do!

Museum news and updates

See what's been happening at the Museum of Natural History!

Garrett Barmore stands in the Keck Museum next to a fossil specimen. Barmore is dressed in a bow tie, sweater vest and wool coat with a Nevada lapel pin.

College of Science museums nominated for 'Best of Sierra Nevada' award for second year in a row

The Keck Museum took third place last year

Beth Leger and Brian Sandoval smile for a photo, each holding one side of a framed certificate.

Elizabeth Leger named 2025 Outstanding Researcher in STEM

The University-level award came with a 119-page award nomination document

Three women stand smiling behind tables with bee-related activities on them.

Pollinator scientists share with local schoolchildren how to 'bee' good environmental stewards

The outreach visit was part of a beekeeping conference

Read more news and learn about upcoming events at the Museum of Natural History