Museum of Natural History and Planetarium

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 exhibitions, workshops and presentations that provide ways for children and families to learn about our world and its people.

The Museum's Education Department offers an extensive menu of hands-on, inquiry based workshops that utilize the full range of the Museum's collections. These integrated, multi-disciplinary programs enhance students' appreciation for our world and its diverse cultures while promoting discovery and experimentation in the classroom and at home. The museum has recently re-established itself as "The People's University" through its growing partnerships and programming.

RWP Museum of Natural History and Planetarium Location

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When is the Museum open?
The Museum is open every day from 10:00am until 4:00pm, with last admission at 3:30pm. The Museum is closed 10:00am to 12:30pm, the first Monday of every month, October through June for our monthly Homeschool Adventures programming.

Museum admission is $2 (Free for children under 4 years old.)
Some special programs have a separate admission.

Planetarium Admission is $3 (No one under age 4 is permitted in the planetarium.) This includes entrance to the Museum and galleries. The planetarium is open to the public every weekend and during school vacation weeks, with shows beginning promptly at 2:00pm.

The Museum does not accept Credit/Debit Cards. Cash or Check only