Natural World Exhibits

Explore the Natural World exhibits at the Putnam museum. Collage featuring a polar bear, American Bison in a prairie diorama, a purple geode and lion.
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There's a Lot to Learn About the World Around You

The world of nature—both in the present and the pre-historic—can awe and inspire you. At the Putnam Museum, we have been presenting educational information about nature (and how humans interact with it) for over 150 years!

Our Halls of Minerals and Mammals put the natural world on display for all to enjoy. When it comes to understanding the ecological systems of our own area and the surrounding Mississippi River basin, visitors will find all kinds of interesting information in the museum’s Black Earth | Big River exhibit. There’s so much to discover!

Please Pardon Our Progress: Hall of Minerals and Hall of Mammals currently closed, due to construction.

Our Natural World Exhibits

Weather gallery in the Science Center at the Putnam, featuring scarf fountain with many tubes, tornado machine and cloud maker.

Weather Center

Make Some Weather! Step into the Weather Center Gallery and be transported into the fascinating realm of meteorology. From learning about different weather phenomena to…

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Special Thanks To Our Natural World Galleries Sponsor:

 
Greater Kudu on exhibit at the Putnam Museum, in the Hall of Mammals

The Greater Kudu

The Greater Kudu, also known as the Grey Ghost due to its elusive nature, is a large antelope found in Eastern and Southern Africa. It is one of the tallest antelopes, standing up to 1.2 meters at the shoulder, and can weigh up to 315kg. The males have impressive…

Children, three girls and one boy exploring prairie grasses outside of the cave in the Mississippi River exhibit, Black Earth, Big River.

Black Earth | Big River

It’s easy to explore the wonders of the river valley when you take the time to wander the halls of Back Earth | Big River at The Putnam Museum.

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Please Note: The Museum & Science Center will be closed for maintenance, cleaning, and updates January 8 -12.

We will resume normal hours on Saturday (1/13). Thank you for your patience, understanding and continued support!

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