The Art of Nature

March 29 – June 8, 2025

Explore the fine details of the natural world in this beloved annual exhibit of science illustration. Since 1989, the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History has been connecting visitors with skilled local artists who excel at creating depictions of organisms or processes that teach, inform, and create an understanding of our world.

First Peoples of California

Explore the many ways Native Californians have survived and thrived in our region through their knowledge and use of the natural landscape. The exhibit features displays of artifacts, hands-on activities, and a large mural depicting daily life. Visit our virtual exhibit where text, video, slideshows, and learning extensions bring the Museum’s physical exhibit to life.

Santa Cruz Naturalist

Get your hands wet as you examine local marine life in our intertidal touch pool and learn about the Museum’s beginnings with lighthouse keeper Laura Hecox more than 100 years ago. Through hands-on explorations with real specimens in our nature lab, visitors of all ages will discover the wonder of our region’s natural history and recognize the naturalist within themselves.

From the Shoreline to the Summit

From the ocean to the redwoods, explore this exhibit to learn about the wealth of habitats in Santa Cruz County. Our taxidermy gives you an up-close view of native animals and their adaptations. Enjoy live animal encounters with our observation beehive and California king snake. View our virtual guide.

Santa Cruz Geology and Fossils

Discover the geology of Santa Cruz through displays on common rock types, minerals and the lime industry. From mastodons to microfossils, our region is home to fascinating fossils of all kinds. Use our online guide to the fossils of Santa Cruz County and see what fossils you can find in our garden.

Garden Learning Center

Take a stroll through the grounds of the Museum within Tyrrell Park and you will discover an array of habitats and plants that are native to the Central California Coast. These demonstration gardens support a wealth of insects and birds, and have also been a favorite location for spotting fungi in the winter months. Use our garden guide to explore what’s in bloom.

Remembering Castle Beach

Stroll back in time as you explore the history of Seabright Beach, once called Castle Beach, in this special exhibit. Discover how the nearby coastline has changed over time and what it may come to look like in the future. Learn more.